Can You Only Marry Companions in Skyrim? The Truth Revealed!

The world of Skyrim is vast and full of possibilities, and one of the most intriguing aspects is the ability to marry. So, can you only marry companions in Skyrim? The simple answer is no. While some Companions are indeed eligible for marriage, the pool of potential spouses extends far beyond just those within that faction. You can marry a wide range of NPCs throughout Skyrim, as long as they meet certain criteria. Let’s dive deeper into the marital possibilities of Skyrim!

Understanding Marriage in Skyrim

Marriage in Skyrim isn’t just about role-playing; it offers tangible in-game benefits. A spouse can cook meals for you, provide a daily income, and even accompany you on adventures. But how does it all work? To get hitched in Skyrim, you’ll need to follow a specific process:

1. Acquire the Amulet of Mara: This amulet signifies your availability for marriage. You can purchase it from Maramal in Riften.

2. Speak with Maramal: Maramal will provide insight into the marital customs of Skyrim.

3. Find a Suitable Spouse: Not every NPC is marriageable. Look for characters who have a positive disposition towards you and are willing to engage in conversation about more personal matters.

4. Complete Their Quest (if necessary): Many NPCs require you to complete a quest for them before they become eligible for marriage. This demonstrates your dedication and proves your worth.

5. Propose While Wearing the Amulet of Mara: When speaking to a potential spouse while wearing the Amulet, a dialogue option will appear, allowing you to propose.

6. Attend the Wedding Ceremony: Head back to the Temple of Mara in Riften within 24 hours to get married.

Beyond the Companions: A World of Potential Spouses

While members of the Companions like Aela the Huntress and Farkas are popular choices, don’t limit yourself! The game offers a diverse selection of potential partners from various races, professions, and backgrounds. You can find love among merchants, mages, warriors, and even common villagers. Explore the world, interact with different characters, and you might be surprised at who captures your heart (and becomes a valuable addition to your household).

Who Can You Not Marry?

Unfortunately, not everyone in Skyrim is open to the idea of marriage. Certain key characters, especially those integral to the main questline or holding positions of power, are off-limits. For example, you cannot marry Jarls like Balgruuf the Elder or important figures like Elisif the Fair. Additionally, some characters, due to their personality or storyline, simply aren’t coded as marriageable. Here is a short list of NPCs you can’t marry in Skyrim:

• Jarl Balgruuf The Elder
• Sapphire
• Saadia
• Teldryn Sero
• Astrid
• Balagog gro-Nolob
• Elisif The Fair
• Brynjolf

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marriage in Skyrim

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of marriage in Skyrim:

1. Can I marry someone of the same gender in Skyrim?

Yes! Love is love in Skyrim. The game allows for same-sex marriages without any restrictions. You can marry any eligible NPC regardless of your character’s gender.

2. What are the benefits of getting married in Skyrim?

Marriage in Skyrim comes with several benefits:

• Spouse-provided meals: Your spouse will cook you a meal once a day, which provides a temporary stat boost.
• Daily income: Your spouse will give you 100 gold per day from their shop.
• A place to live: You can move your spouse into your home, or move into theirs.
• A merchant: Some spouses are merchants. This allows you to buy and sell items.
• Follower: Many marriageable NPCs are also potential followers, meaning they can accompany you on adventures.

3. How do I find a potential spouse in Skyrim?

Explore the world, complete quests, and talk to different NPCs. Look for characters who are friendly, helpful, and seem receptive to your advances. Completing quests for them is often the key to unlocking the marriage dialogue option.

4. Can I marry a Jarl in Skyrim?

No, you cannot marry a Jarl in Skyrim. Characters like Jarl Balgruuf and Jarl Elisif are essential to the game’s political structure and are therefore ineligible for marriage.

5. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?

Sadly, there is no in-game divorce mechanic in Skyrim. The only way to end a marriage is through the unfortunate demise of your spouse.

6. What happens if my spouse dies in Skyrim?

If your spouse dies, they are gone for good. You cannot remarry after your spouse’s death.

7. Can I remarry if my spouse dies?

No, you cannot remarry in Skyrim, even if your spouse dies. Choose your partner wisely!

8. Who are some of the most popular marriage candidates in Skyrim?

Some of the most popular marriage candidates include:

• Aela the Huntress: A skilled archer and member of the Companions.
• Lydia: Your initial housecarl, loyal and dependable.
• Mjoll the Lioness: A strong warrior with a strong sense of justice.
• Muiri: Markarth is Skyrim’s most interesting city, and it’s partly because it’s home to Muiri, the best female marriage candidate in the game.

9. Can I marry a vampire in Skyrim?

Generally, no. While there might be mods that alter this, the vanilla game does not allow you to marry vampires, including notable characters like Serana.

10. What is the easiest way to get married in Skyrim?

The easiest way to get married is to acquire the Amulet of Mara, speak with Maramal in Riften, and then find an NPC who is readily available for marriage. Some NPCs require minimal or no quest completion to become eligible.

11. Does my race affect who I can marry in Skyrim?

No, your race does not affect who you can marry. Skyrim allows for interracial marriages without any limitations.

12. Can I marry a child in Skyrim?

Absolutely not. Skyrim does not allow you to marry children. This is a game that promotes healthy and consensual relationships.

13. Are there any mods that expand the marriage options in Skyrim?

Yes, there are numerous mods available that expand the marriage options, allowing you to marry NPCs who are normally ineligible or adding new marriage candidates altogether.

14. Do all marriage candidates have the same benefits?

The core benefits of marriage, such as the daily income and cooked meals, are generally the same for all spouses. However, some spouses may offer additional advantages based on their skills or profession.

15. What is the role of Mara in Skyrim’s marriage system?

Mara is the goddess of love, marriage, and compassion in Skyrim. The Temple of Mara in Riften is the central location for marriage ceremonies, and the Amulet of Mara is a symbol of your intent to marry.

Conclusion: Embrace the Marital Possibilities of Skyrim!

In conclusion, while the Companions offer some excellent marriage options, they are by no means the only choice. Skyrim provides a diverse and engaging system that lets you explore your options and find the perfect spouse to share your adventures with. Remember to wear your Amulet of Mara and explore the world. Who knows, you might just find the love of your life! The freedom to choose who you want to be with and how you want to live your life is key to gaming, which is similar to concepts taught at the Games Learning Society. To learn more visit GamesLearningSociety.org.