Can I Marry More Than Once in Skyrim? The Definitive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is no, in the vanilla (unmodded) version of Skyrim, you can only marry once. The game is designed with a single marriage mechanic, and there are no built-in options for divorce, annulment, or remarriage, regardless of the fate of your first spouse. However, the world of Skyrim is vast, and its modding community is even more so. Read on to discover how to navigate the complexities of marriage in Skyrim, and how to potentially circumvent the game’s limitations.
Understanding the Limitations of Vanilla Skyrim Marriage
The marriage system in Skyrim is relatively straightforward. You acquire the Amulet of Mara, indicate your interest in a suitable NPC, and if they reciprocate, you arrange the wedding at the Temple of Mara in Riften. Once married, your spouse moves into your home (or the home you agree upon), provides a “homely” benefit like cooking meals, and can even become a follower. However, this commitment is intended to be permanent.
The Single Marriage Constraint
The core issue preventing multiple marriages is that the game flags your character as “married” after the wedding ceremony. There is no in-game mechanic to remove this flag, even if your spouse dies. This prevents you from initiating the marriage questline with any other NPC. This limitation is deliberate and is ingrained in the game’s programming.
The Absence of Divorce
Unlike real life, and many other RPGs, Skyrim provides no option for divorce. There is no questline to initiate, no dialogue option with a priest or other authority figure, and no legal process to dissolve the marriage. If you’ve made a mistake in choosing your spouse, or simply want a change, the game offers no sanctioned method of separation.
The Finality of Death
Even the death of your spouse, while tragic (or perhaps intentional), does not open the door for remarriage in the vanilla game. The “married” flag remains active, effectively locking you out of the marriage system for the rest of your character’s playthrough. This harsh reality can be frustrating for players who seek a fresh start or a different romantic partner.
Mods: The Key to Polygamy and Remarriage
While the base game restricts you to a single marriage, the vibrant modding community of Skyrim has created several solutions to circumvent this limitation. These mods range from simple tweaks that allow remarriage after the death of a spouse, to more complex systems that enable polygamy.
Popular Marriage Mods
- Marriage Mod – To Have & To Hold: This mod is a popular choice for players seeking polygamy. It allows you to marry multiple spouses, though typically at a cost (usually a donation to Mara). It also adds features like improved spousal interactions and expanded home options.
- Multiple Marriages: As the name suggests, this mod allows you to remarry after the death of a spouse, or even simultaneously marry multiple partners. The implementation varies depending on the specific mod, but the core functionality is the same: removing the single marriage constraint.
- Marriable Serana: This mod allows you to marry Serana. To download this, you need the Dawnguard expansion installed to ensure that the mod works.
Considerations When Using Marriage Mods
- Compatibility: Always check the compatibility of any marriage mod with other mods you are using. Conflicts between mods can lead to bugs, crashes, or other issues. Read the mod descriptions carefully and follow the installation instructions precisely.
- Game Stability: Some marriage mods, especially those that significantly alter the game’s mechanics, may impact game stability. Be sure to save your game frequently, and consider backing up your save files before installing any new mods.
- Ethical Considerations: While not a technical issue, consider the ethical implications of polygamy within the context of your Skyrim roleplaying experience. Some players may find it immersion-breaking or morally objectionable.
- Learning: Explore more about the educational aspects of gaming through organizations like the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/). Video games are often rich with intricate systems and narratives that present opportunities for players to engage in problem solving and storytelling.
Alternatives to Marriage Mods
If modding isn’t your cup of tea, there are still a few (albeit limited) ways to change your marital situation in Skyrim. These methods typically involve exploiting glitches or using console commands (PC only).
The Console Command Route (PC Only)
For PC players, the console offers a powerful tool for manipulating the game’s state. You can use console commands to remove the “married” flag, allowing you to remarry. However, this approach requires a degree of technical knowledge and can potentially introduce instability into your game. Always exercise caution when using console commands.
The “Accidental Death” Strategy
While morally questionable, some players resort to killing their spouse in the hopes of finding a loophole for remarriage. However, as mentioned earlier, this does not work in the vanilla game. The “married” flag remains, preventing any further nuptial pursuits.
Conclusion
While Skyrim‘s vanilla experience limits you to a single marriage, the game’s vibrant modding community offers a variety of ways to circumvent this constraint. Whether you seek polygamy, remarriage after the death of a spouse, or simply a way to undo a regrettable union, mods can provide a solution. However, always exercise caution when using mods, and be aware of the potential impact on your game’s stability and your own roleplaying experience. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make: abide by the constraints of the vanilla game, or venture into the world of modding and forge your own marital destiny in Skyrim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marriage in Skyrim
1. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?
No, there is no official way to divorce your spouse in Skyrim without using mods or console commands.
2. Can I remarry after my spouse dies in Skyrim?
Not in the unmodded version of the game. You will need a mod to allow remarriage after the death of your spouse.
3. Can I have multiple wives (or husbands) in Skyrim?
No, the vanilla game only allows for one spouse at a time. You will need a mod like “Marriage Mod – To Have & To Hold” to enable polygamy.
4. Is it possible to marry Serana without mods?
No, Serana is not a marriage candidate in the base game. You’ll need a mod like “Marriable Serana” to marry her.
5. What happens if I kill my spouse in Skyrim? Can I remarry then?
Killing your spouse does not allow you to remarry in the vanilla game. You will remain marked as married.
6. How do I use console commands to remarry in Skyrim?
This process is complex and requires specific commands to remove the “married” flag and reset the marriage quest. Search online for specific instructions and exercise caution.
7. Are there any NPCs that I absolutely cannot marry in Skyrim?
Yes, several NPCs are not marriage candidates, including Jarl Balgruuf the Elder, Sapphire, Saadia, Teldryn Sero, Astrid, Balagog gro-Nolob, Elisif The Fair, and Brynjolf.
8. What are the benefits of getting married in Skyrim?
Your spouse can cook meals for you, open a shop and earn gold, and become a follower.
9. Can my spouse be kidnapped in Skyrim?
Yes, your spouse can be kidnapped, and you will need to pay a ransom for their safe return.
10. Can I turn my wife (or husband) into a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, if you have the Dawnguard DLC and side with the vampires, you can turn your spouse into a vampire.
11. Can I have children with my spouse in Skyrim?
In the base game, you can adopt children, but you cannot have biological children with your spouse.
12. Where does my spouse live after we get married in Skyrim?
Your spouse will move into the house you own, or their original home if you don’t own a house.
13. Can I move my spouse to a different house in Skyrim?
Yes, you can talk to your spouse and ask them to move to a different house that you own.
14. Who is considered the best wife or husband to marry in Skyrim?
Popular choices include Aela The Huntress, Argis the Bulwark, Lydia, Marcurio, Vilkas, and Farkas, depending on your preferences and playstyle. Each has unique skills, backgrounds, and personality traits.
15. Do marriage mods affect game stability?
Yes, some marriage mods can affect game stability. Always read the mod descriptions carefully and check for compatibility issues before installing. Also, remember that gaming can be a powerful tool for learning and engagement. Explore the potential of educational gaming and consider the insights provided by the GamesLearningSociety.org.