Can a Woman Marry Another Woman in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

The answer is a resounding yes! In the world of Skyrim, love knows no bounds. Thanks to the progressive design of the game, players can marry any eligible NPC regardless of gender. So, a female character can absolutely marry another female character, fostering same-sex relationships within the game.

A World of Choice and Romance

Skyrim offers a vast and immersive experience, and the marriage system is a testament to that. Once the player completes the “The Bonds of Matrimony” quest, they can marry any willing NPC, regardless of their own character’s gender or race. This inclusive approach allows players to create a unique and personalized story, reflecting diverse relationships within the game world.

How to Get Married in Skyrim

To embark on the journey of marriage, follow these steps:

1. Acquire an Amulet of Mara: Visit the city of Riften and speak with Maramal in the Temple of Mara. He will explain the significance of marriage in Skyrim and sell you an Amulet of Mara for 200 gold.

2. Find a Willing Partner: Wear the Amulet of Mara and speak to eligible NPCs. A dialogue option expressing interest in them will appear. Eligible NPCs are those who have a disposition towards the player character.

3. Propose Marriage: Select the dialogue option that indicates your desire to marry. If the NPC accepts, they will express their enthusiasm.

4. Attend the Wedding: Return to Maramal in the Temple of Mara and inform him of your impending nuptials. He will schedule the wedding ceremony for the following day.

5. Tie the Knot: Attend the ceremony at the Temple of Mara. If you are late, Maramal will reschedule the wedding. Enjoy your special day!

Benefits of Marriage in Skyrim

Marriage in Skyrim provides several advantages:

• Shared Home: You can move in with your spouse to their residence, or they can move into one of your owned homes.
• Spouse Benefit: Your spouse will cook you one home-cooked meal per day, which gives you a temporary experience boost.
• Shopkeeper: Your spouse can open a shop, providing a steady income.
• Companion: Your spouse can act as a follower, accompanying you on adventures and aiding in combat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marriage in Skyrim

1. Can I marry anyone in Skyrim?

No, not everyone is eligible for marriage. You can only marry NPCs who have a disposition towards your character and who are not essential to the main storyline. Furthermore, some NPCs simply aren’t coded to be marriageable.

2. What if my spouse dies?

In the base game, you cannot remarry if your spouse dies. This makes your choice of partner particularly significant. However, mods exist that alter this restriction on the PC.

3. Can I have children in Skyrim?

In the vanilla version of Skyrim, your character cannot have biological children. However, you can adopt children from the Honorhall Orphanage in Riften.

4. Can my spouse be a different race than me?

Absolutely. Race has no bearing on marriage eligibility in Skyrim. You can marry anyone, regardless of their race.

5. How do I know if someone is eligible for marriage?

The easiest way to tell is to wear the Amulet of Mara. If you can initiate a dialogue option indicating your interest, that person is marriageable.

6. What happens if I refuse to attend my wedding?

If you don’t attend your wedding, your betrothed will be angry, and you will need to smooth things over with them. You’ll have to reschedule the ceremony with Maramal.

7. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?

In the base game, divorce is not an option. Once you are married, you are married for good. However, on the PC version, console commands can be used to simulate a divorce.

8. Can my spouse be a vampire?

Without the use of mods, you cannot turn your spouse into a vampire. It’s possible for the Dragonborn to turn some NPC followers into vampires, but the process can be complicated and may require specific actions.

9. Can I have multiple spouses?

No, polygamy is not allowed in Skyrim. You can only be married to one person at a time.

10. What happens if I attack my spouse?

Attacking your spouse will turn them hostile towards you. If their health gets low enough, they’ll kneel down, indicating that they are no longer aggressive. Depending on whether the AI is broken by the attack, the relationship may not be salvagable.

11. Can my spouse be kidnapped?

Yes, there is a random event where your spouse can be kidnapped by bandits who demand a ransom. You must then rescue them.

12. Does my spouse give me gifts?

Yes, your spouse will sometimes give you gifts, such as home-cooked meals that provide beneficial buffs or small amounts of gold.

13. Who are some popular marriage candidates in Skyrim?

Some popular marriage candidates include:

• Aela the Huntress (a strong and independent warrior from the Companions)
• Lydia (your loyal housecarl)
• Muiri (an apothecary with a dark past)
• Brelyna Maryon (an apprentice mage at the College of Winterhold)

14. Can I sleep in the same bed as my spouse?

Yes, you can sleep in the same bed as your spouse.

15. Are there any same-sex marriage restrictions in Skyrim?

No, there are no restrictions on same-sex marriage. As long as the NPC is eligible, you can marry them regardless of gender.

Marriage Mods for Enhanced Gameplay

For players looking to expand the marriage system in Skyrim, many mods are available. These mods can introduce features like:

• Remarriage: Allowing you to marry again if your spouse dies.
• Divorce: Providing a way to end a marriage.
• Polygamy: Enabling multiple spouses.
• Expanded Dialogue: Adding more dialogue options and interactions with your spouse.
• Children Overhaul: Adding more realistic features for adopting and raising children.

Remember to research and choose mods carefully to ensure compatibility with your game.

The Broader Significance: Learning Through Games

The marriage system in Skyrim, particularly its inclusivity regarding same-sex relationships, highlights the potential for games to mirror and explore social dynamics. The open and diverse world allows players to experience different types of relationships, fostering understanding and acceptance. This reflects broader discussions within the Games Learning Society, which explores how games can be used as tools for education and social commentary. You can explore more about this on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Conclusion

Marriage in Skyrim is a meaningful part of the game, offering both practical benefits and role-playing opportunities. The ability for a female character to marry another female character adds depth and diversity to the game world, allowing players to create a more personalized and engaging experience. So, go forth and find love in the land of Skyrim, regardless of gender!