Can You Get Married Twice in Skyrim? The Definitive Guide

No, you cannot get married twice in Skyrim without the use of mods or console commands. The game is designed to allow only one marriage per character. Once you have gone through the marriage ceremony, you are bound to your spouse for the rest of your character’s in-game life. There is no vanilla (unmodded) way to divorce or remarry, even if your spouse dies.

Understanding Skyrim’s Marriage System

Skyrim’s marriage system, while simple, is a significant feature for many players who enjoy role-playing and building a life for their Dragonborn. The process involves acquiring the Amulet of Mara, signifying your intent to marry, and then finding a suitable partner who is receptive to your advances.

After proposing and having your offer accepted, a wedding ceremony is held at the Temple of Mara in Riften. Once the ceremony is complete, you and your spouse are officially married, unlocking several benefits. Your spouse can become a follower, cook meals for you, and open a shop, providing a steady income. You can also share a home together, adding a sense of domesticity to your adventures.

However, the finality of marriage in Skyrim is absolute. The game does not provide any built-in mechanisms for divorce or remarriage. This design decision means that choosing a spouse is a crucial decision that should not be taken lightly. Be certain of your choice because there’s no turning back without resorting to unofficial methods.

Addressing the Limitations: Why No Remarriage?

The developers of Skyrim opted for a straightforward marriage system, focusing on the narrative impact of making a lifelong commitment. While some players appreciate the permanence and the weight it adds to the decision-making process, others find it restrictive and frustrating.

Several reasons could explain why remarriage was not implemented:

• Development Time and Resources: Adding a divorce mechanic would require significant programming, scripting, and potentially new quest lines. This might have been deemed too resource-intensive for the scope of the base game.
• Narrative Focus: The developers may have intended marriage to be a significant, one-time event in a character’s life, reinforcing the theme of lasting consequences in a harsh and unforgiving world.
• Mod Support: Bethesda has historically embraced modding, allowing the community to address gaps and add features to the game. This reliance on modders might have influenced the decision not to include remarriage in the core game.

Regardless of the reasons, the lack of a divorce option remains a common point of discussion among Skyrim players, leading to a thriving modding community that addresses this limitation.

Exploiting Bugs and Glitches for Remarriage (Use with Caution)

While there is no legitimate way to remarry in vanilla Skyrim, some players have discovered glitches or exploits that can potentially allow them to bypass the marriage restrictions. However, these methods are unreliable and can cause unforeseen consequences.

One method involves exploiting a bug related to the Amulet of Mara and the dialogue options at the Temple of Mara. By dropping and re-equipping the amulet at specific times, some players have reported being able to trigger the marriage quest again. However, this is not guaranteed to work and can lead to errors in your game.

Another method involves using console commands (PC only) to reset the marriage quest or remove the “married” status from your character. However, this requires advanced knowledge of the game’s internal workings and can potentially corrupt your save file if done incorrectly.

It is important to note that using these methods is at your own risk. They are not officially supported by Bethesda and can lead to instability or game-breaking issues.

Exploring Mods for Divorce and Remarriage

The most reliable way to remarry in Skyrim is by using mods. A vast array of mods are available on platforms like the Nexus Mods website that introduce divorce mechanics, remarriage options, and even more complex relationship systems.

Popular mods that address the marriage limitation include:

• “Divorce” Mods: These mods allow you to formally divorce your spouse, typically by completing a quest or paying a fee. Once divorced, you are free to remarry another character.
• “Remarriage” Mods: These mods enable you to remarry after your spouse has died or been divorced. They often include dialogue options and quest lines that add depth to the remarriage process.
• “Multiple Marriages” Mods: Some mods even allow you to marry multiple characters simultaneously, although this can lead to complex relationship dynamics and potential conflicts.

When choosing a mod, it’s crucial to read the description carefully, check user reviews, and ensure that it is compatible with your version of Skyrim and other installed mods. Modding can greatly enhance your Skyrim experience, but it also requires careful planning and execution. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource to discover more about the modding community.

FAQs About Marriage in Skyrim

1. Can you marry Serana?

No, you cannot marry Serana in the base game of Skyrim. While she is a popular character and a potential follower in the Dawnguard DLC, she is not a marriage candidate. However, mods are available that enable you to marry Serana.

2. What happens if your spouse dies in Skyrim?

If your spouse dies, you will inherit their possessions and a small amount of gold. However, you cannot remarry in the vanilla game. Your house will remain as it was, though notably emptier, and any merchant activities your spouse provided are ceased.

3. Who is the best person to marry in Skyrim?

The “best” spouse is subjective and depends on your priorities. Some players prefer spouses with unique skills or backstories, while others prioritize financial benefits or combat prowess. Ysolda and Camilla Valerius are popular choices for their ability to run a shop and generate income. Argis the Bulwark is a favourite for his combat skills.

4. Can you have children in Skyrim?

In the base game, you cannot have biological children. However, the Hearthfire DLC allows you to adopt children from orphanages in Skyrim. Mods also exist that introduce fertility cycles and the ability to give birth to children.

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

Marriage in Skyrim offers several benefits, including:

• Shared Home: You can live with your spouse in their home or a house you own.
• Spouse as a Follower: Your spouse can become a follower, assisting you in combat and carrying your burdens.
• Gifts and Meals: Your spouse will occasionally give you gifts and cook meals that provide temporary buffs.
• Shop Income: Some spouses can open a shop and earn you gold each day.
• Lover’s Comfort Bonus: Sleeping near your spouse provides a temporary bonus to skill learning.

6. Can you get married to a Jarl?

Normally, you cannot marry Elisif the Fair, it requires a mod that is known to be a bit buggy. These are the conditions given in the mod description, in case the conditions are the same: – You are either neutral or sided with the Legion.

7. What happens if you miss your wedding in Skyrim?

If you miss your wedding, the quest will fail, and the attendees will be upset. You will have to start the process over by talking to Maramal and finding a new spouse.

8. How do you reset your marriage in Skyrim?

In the vanilla game, there is no way to reset your marriage without using glitches, console commands (PC), or mods.

9. Can you sleep in the same bed as your spouse in Skyrim?

Yes, you can sleep in the same bed as your spouse in Skyrim. Sleeping near your spouse also grants you the Lover’s Comfort bonus, which increases the rate at which you learn skills.

10. Can you turn your spouse into a vampire?

You can turn your spouse into a vampire if you yourself become a vampire in the Dawnguard expansion. However, you cannot marry someone who is already a vampire, like Serana, in the base game.

11. Which Skyrim house is the best to live in with your spouse?

The “best” house is subjective, but popular choices include:

• Lakeview Manor: This buildable home offers stunning views and the ability to customize your living space.
• Proudspire Manor: Located in Solitude, this house is spacious and well-furnished.
• Honeyside: A cozy home in Riften, perfect for those who enjoy the city life.

12. Is there romance in Skyrim?

Yes, Skyrim features romance in the form of marriage. Players can use the Amulet of Mara to find a spouse and build a life together.

13. Can you get divorced in Skyrim?

No, you cannot get divorced in the vanilla game. Divorce is only possible through the use of mods.

14. Is bigamy illegal in Skyrim?

While Skyrim doesn’t explicitly have laws against bigamy, the game prevents you from marrying more than one person without using mods or glitches. The concept of bigamy does not exist because you can only be married to one character at a time.

15. Can you remarry after your spouse dies in Skyrim?

No, you cannot remarry after your spouse dies in the base game. You will receive an inheritance, but you are not permitted to marry again. Mods are required to enable remarriage after the death of a spouse.

Conclusion

While the vanilla version of Skyrim restricts players to a single marriage, the game’s vast modding community offers solutions for those who desire divorce, remarriage, or even multiple spouses. By understanding the limitations of the base game and exploring the available mods, you can customize your Skyrim experience to fit your personal preferences and create a truly unique and immersive adventure. Remember to carefully research and choose mods that are compatible with your game and other installed mods.