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Can You Marry Any NPC in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into Skyrim’s Marriage System

The short answer is no, you cannot marry just any NPC in Skyrim. While the game offers a robust marriage system allowing players to tie the knot regardless of race or gender, the pool of eligible partners is limited to specific characters programmed to be marriageable. Let’s delve into the intricacies of Skyrim’s marriage system, exploring its limitations, requirements, and the best (and worst) aspects of finding your virtual soulmate in the frosty north.

Understanding Skyrim’s Marriage Mechanics

Skyrim’s marriage system is surprisingly straightforward. It revolves around completing the “The Bonds of Matrimony” quest, which involves speaking with Maramal in Riften about marriage and acquiring an Amulet of Mara. This amulet signals your availability for marriage to eligible NPCs.

Pre-Requisites for Marriage

The Amulet of Mara: This is your “I’m single and ready to mingle” sign. You can purchase it from Maramal at the Temple of Mara in Riften after completing the initial dialogue about marriage.
Good Standing with your Intended: Often, you’ll need to complete a small quest or favor for your chosen NPC. This demonstrates your commitment and makes them more receptive to your proposal. Think of it as Skyrim dating.
A Home: While not strictly required before marriage, having a home to move your spouse into enhances the experience. You can purchase houses in various cities or build your own with the Hearthfire DLC.

The Wedding Ceremony

Once you’ve met the requirements and expressed your interest (while wearing the Amulet of Mara, of course!), your chosen NPC will agree to marry you. You’ll then need to attend the wedding ceremony at the Temple of Mara in Riften. Make sure to arrive on time! If you miss the ceremony, your potential spouse will be heartbroken, and you’ll have to win back their affections (if possible).

Life After “I Do”

After the wedding, your spouse will move into your chosen home. They’ll offer several benefits, including:

Home-Cooked Meals: They’ll prepare a daily meal that provides a temporary stat boost.
A Shared Income: Your spouse will generate a small daily income from running a shop. The amount varies depending on the NPC.
Companionship (Sometimes): Many marriageable NPCs are also followers, meaning they can accompany you on your adventures.
A Place to Sleep: Sleeping in the same house as your spouse provides a temporary rested bonus.

Limitations of the Marriage System

While the core mechanics are simple, the limitations can be frustrating:

Limited Pool of Eligible NPCs: Only a select few NPCs are programmed to be marriageable. You can’t marry just anyone you encounter in the world.
No Same-Sex Marriage Without Mods: While the game allows marriage regardless of race or gender, same-sex marriage was originally absent and enabled only by mods. This feature has since been integrated into the base game.
One Spouse Only: You can only have one spouse per playthrough. There’s no divorce option (at least, not a clean one), so choose wisely!
No Children Without the Hearthfire DLC: If you want to adopt children, you’ll need the Hearthfire DLC.
Limited Interaction: While your spouse will say a few lines of dialogue and provide benefits, the interactions are limited. Don’t expect deep conversations or complex storylines.

Top Marriage Candidates (and Why)

While “best” is subjective, some marriage candidates are consistently ranked higher due to their skills, personality, or benefits:

Aela the Huntress: A skilled archer and member of the Companions, Aela makes an excellent follower.
Mjoll the Lioness: A strong warrior with a unique storyline, Mjoll is a reliable companion.
Muiri: A Dark Elf with a tragic past, Muiri offers a unique perspective and makes a good wife with a decent income.
Lydia: Your first housecarl, Lydia is loyal and dependable, though her personality can be a bit bland.
Ysolda: A Whiterun merchant with dreams of running her own business, Ysolda provides a decent income.

FAQs About Marriage in Skyrim

1. How do I know if an NPC is marriageable?

The easiest way is to wear the Amulet of Mara and speak to them. If they have unique dialogue options related to your amulet, they might be eligible. You can also consult online resources listing all marriageable NPCs.

2. Can I marry a Jarl or other important figure?

No, you cannot marry Jarls or most other important figures in Skyrim. Marriage options are generally limited to characters with simpler roles.

3. Can I marry a Khajiit?

Unfortunately, there are no marriageable Khajiit characters in the base game. Mods can change this, but by default, you’re out of luck if you want a feline spouse.

4. Can I get a divorce in Skyrim?

No, there’s no formal divorce system. The only way to end a marriage is to… well, let’s just say it involves unfortunate circumstances. Be warned; there are consequences.

5. What happens if my spouse dies?

If your spouse dies, they’re gone for good. You cannot remarry in the base game without using console commands or mods.

6. What are the benefits of marrying someone who owns a shop?

Marrying a shopkeeper allows them to continue running their business, giving you access to their inventory and a potential source of income.

7. Does my spouse have to be a follower?

No, your spouse doesn’t have to be a follower, but many marriageable NPCs are also followers. This can be convenient if you want a companion on your adventures.

8. Can I marry someone of the same race as me?

Yes, you can marry someone of any race in Skyrim, provided they are an eligible NPC.

9. Can I marry someone of the same gender as me?

Yes, this feature is supported in the base game.

10. How much money does my spouse make?

The amount of money your spouse earns varies depending on the NPC. Some earn more than others, particularly those who run businesses. Usually 100 gold a day.

11. Can my spouse be kidnapped or harmed by enemies?

Yes, your spouse can be kidnapped or harmed by enemies, especially if they are following you on adventures. It’s important to protect them.

12. Can I move my spouse to any house I own?

Yes, you can move your spouse to any house you own. Simply tell them you want to move, and they’ll relocate.

13. What’s the point of marriage in Skyrim?

Marriage provides companionship, a small income, stat boosts from meals, and a place to sleep for a rested bonus. It’s a way to add depth and roleplaying opportunities to your Skyrim experience.

14. Can I marry Serana?

Not without mods. Serana is a popular character, but she isn’t a marriage option in the base game.

15. Are there any risks to marriage?

The biggest risk is losing your spouse if they die. There’s also the responsibility of providing a home and protecting them from danger.

Conclusion: Marriage in Skyrim – A Worthwhile Endeavor?

While the marriage system in Skyrim has limitations, it can be a rewarding experience. It adds depth to the game, provides practical benefits, and allows you to forge a bond with a character in the world. Just remember to choose wisely, protect your spouse, and don’t expect too much depth from the interactions. And if you’re looking for more in-depth analysis of the social and learning aspects of games like Skyrim, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Can you marry any NPC in Skyrim?