Navigating Nuptials in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide to Marriage
Yes, in the vanilla (unmodded) version of Skyrim, you can only have one wife or husband. Once you’ve tied the knot, that’s it. There’s no divorce, no remarriage after death, and certainly no polygamy. It’s a lifetime commitment, or at least until one of you meets an untimely end at the hands of a dragon, bandit, or unfortunate glitch.
The Harsh Realities of Skyrim Marriage
The marriage system in Skyrim is surprisingly rigid for a game that otherwise offers immense freedom. You might be able to bend the rules of reality with shouts and spells, but the institution of marriage remains steadfastly inflexible. Once you’ve donned the Amulet of Mara and said your vows, you’re locked in. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it adds weight to your decision and makes choosing a spouse a more meaningful act. However, it also means you need to be absolutely sure about your choice before you commit.
The game’s scripting only allows for a single marriage to be active. There are remnants of code suggesting that remarriage after the death of a spouse was initially intended, but this feature never made it into the final release. So, if your beloved Lydia falls victim to a frost troll or a rogue mage, you’ll be left a grieving widower (or widow) with no recourse for finding another partner – at least not without diving into the world of mods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skyrim Marriage
Here are some of the most common questions players have about marriage in Skyrim, offering additional insights into this peculiar aspect of the game:
Can I have multiple spouses in Skyrim?
Absolutely not. The game’s coding prevents you from having more than one spouse simultaneously. It doesn’t matter how many houses you own or how charming your Dragonborn is; the game simply won’t allow it.
What happens if my spouse dies? Can I remarry?
This is a common point of frustration for many players. If your spouse meets an unfortunate demise, you’re out of luck. Remarriage is not an option in the unmodded game. You’re stuck with the title of widow or widower for the rest of your Skyrim days.
Is divorce possible in Skyrim?
Divorce is another feature conspicuously absent from Skyrim. If you’ve made a marital mistake, you’re pretty much stuck with it. The only “official” (and rather drastic) way to end a marriage is to kill your spouse, but even then, you can’t remarry.
Who are the best marriage candidates in Skyrim?
“Best” is subjective and depends on your priorities. Some popular choices include:
- Aela the Huntress: A strong, independent warrior from the Companions.
- Lydia: Your loyal housecarl and a reliable companion.
- Muiri: An apothecary in Markarth with a dark secret.
- Brelyna Maryon: A budding mage from the College of Winterhold.
Ultimately, the best spouse is the one whose personality and skills complement your playstyle and character.
Can I have children with my spouse in Skyrim?
In the base game, you cannot have biological children with your spouse. However, with the Hearthfire DLC, you can adopt up to two children. This adds a whole new dimension to your Skyrim experience, allowing you to build a home and raise a family.
Can I turn my spouse into a vampire?
While it is possible to turn followers into vampires, turning your spouse may break certain quests or render them hostile. It’s generally not recommended unless you’re using mods specifically designed to handle vampire spouses.
Can I marry Serana?
Serana, the intriguing vampire from the Dawnguard DLC, is not marriageable in the vanilla game. However, a plethora of mods exist that allow you to tie the knot with this captivating character. These mods often come with their own storylines and dialogue, adding depth to the relationship.
Can I marry a Jarl?
Unfortunately, no. While you can interact with Jarls and even become Thane of their holds, you cannot marry them. They are essential NPCs with predefined roles and cannot be romanced.
Can my spouse be a follower after marriage?
Yes, most marriage candidates can still act as followers after the wedding. This is a great way to have a powerful companion by your side while also enjoying the benefits of marriage, such as home-cooked meals and a share of their earnings.
How much money do I get from my spouse?
Once married, you will receive 100 gold per day from your spouse. This small income can be helpful for funding your adventures and purchasing supplies.
Can I marry someone of the same gender in Skyrim?
Yes! Skyrim was groundbreaking for its time in allowing marriage between characters of the same gender. This adds to the game’s inclusivity and allows players to create characters that reflect their own identities.
Can I marry any race in Skyrim?
Absolutely! The race of your character doesn’t restrict who you can marry. You can be a Nord married to an Argonian, an Altmer married to a Dunmer – the possibilities are endless.
Can you marry a follower in Skyrim?
Yes, many followers are eligible for marriage once you have completed their associated quests and have the Amulet of Mara equipped. Popular choices include Aela the Huntress and Lydia.
What NPCs can you not marry in Skyrim?
Certain NPCs are not available for marriage due to their role in the game, plot importance, or simply the lack of necessary dialogue and scripting. These include:
- Jarls (e.g., Balgruuf the Greater)
- Children
- Some quest-specific characters (e.g., Astrid from the Dark Brotherhood)
- Serana (without mods)
Do wives make money in Skyrim?
Yes, your spouse will contribute 100 gold to your shared funds daily, reflecting their earnings from running a shop or business.
The Modding Community: Where Polygamy Dreams Come True
While the vanilla version of Skyrim restricts you to a single spouse, the modding community offers a wide range of options for those seeking more unconventional relationships. Mods like “Multiple Marriages” or similar variants allow you to have multiple spouses, offering new gameplay experiences and role-playing opportunities. However, be warned that these mods may introduce conflicts or bugs, so always read the installation instructions carefully and back up your save files. If you’re interested in exploring this side of gaming and learning more about game design and modding, consider looking into resources provided by organizations such as the Games Learning Society or visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Dragonborn
The limitations of the marriage system in Skyrim might seem restrictive at first, but they ultimately encourage thoughtful decision-making. Consider your options carefully, choose a spouse who complements your character, and embrace the joys and challenges of married life in the harsh and beautiful world of Skyrim. And if you’re truly unhappy with your choice, well, there’s always the modding community to explore. Just remember to back up your saves!