Does Your Spouse Live With You in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide to Marital Bliss (or Not!)

Yes, your spouse can and, in most cases, will live with you in Skyrim. The system is designed to facilitate a shared living experience. However, there are nuances to how this works, and certain conditions need to be met for your virtual marriage to function as intended. Let’s dive into the details of marriage and cohabitation in Skyrim, exploring the requirements, potential issues, and everything you need to know to ensure your spouse resides happily (or at least tolerably) by your side.

Understanding Skyrim Marriage Mechanics

The foundation of cohabitation lies within Skyrim’s marriage system. You must first acquire the Amulet of Mara by speaking with Maramal in Riften. Once you have the amulet equipped, you can propose to eligible NPCs after completing any prerequisite quests they might have. After a successful proposal, a wedding ceremony takes place in the Temple of Mara in Riften.

Cohabitation: The Nitty-Gritty

Following the wedding ceremony, you’ll have the opportunity to instruct your spouse where to live. This is the critical moment that determines whether your spouse becomes a permanent fixture in your chosen abode. The options are usually centered around locations you own.

Housing Options

• Player-Owned Homes: This is the most straightforward option. If you own a house in any of the major cities (e.g., Whiterun, Riften, Solitude), or a purchased property, your spouse can move in.
• Hearthfire Homes: Hearthfire introduces the ability to build your own homes. For your spouse to move into a Hearthfire home, you must have built a bed.
• Living with Your Spouse: If you don’t own any property, your spouse will reside in their original location, or “hometown.” This means if you married a woman from Riften and lack a house, she will remain in Riften. You will have to visit them there. You can still have your spouse living with you at your spouse’s house.

Moving Your Spouse After the Fact

You’re not locked into your initial decision. At any time after the marriage, you can speak with your spouse and choose a new location for them to live. This provides flexibility if you acquire new property or decide you want to relocate. The dialogue options appear telling them you want to move somewhere else.

Troubleshooting Cohabitation Issues

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Spouses may refuse to move, get lost, or simply disappear. Here’s how to address common problems:

• The Waiting Game: Try traveling to the house you want you and your spouse to move in and he or she’ll be there. If your spouse doesn’t appear immediately, waiting for a few in-game days can often resolve the issue. The game might need time to process the move.
• Reloading Saves: If waiting doesn’t work, reloading a previous save from before you instructed your spouse to move can sometimes fix the problem.
• Checking Their Original Location: If your spouse disappears entirely, check the location where you first met them. They may have reverted to their original routines.
• Console Commands (PC Only): On the PC version, you can use console commands to teleport your spouse to your location. This is a more advanced solution, but effective if other methods fail.

Benefits of Having Your Spouse Live With You

Beyond the companionship aspect, there are tangible benefits to having your spouse reside in your home:

• “Lover’s Comfort” Bonus: Sleeping near your spouse grants the “Lover’s Comfort” bonus, providing a temporary boost to experience gain.
• Home-Cooked Meals: Your spouse will occasionally cook meals for you, offering temporary buffs to health, stamina, and magicka regeneration.
• Shopkeeping: Some spouses can act as merchants, allowing you to sell items from your home.
• Shared Income: Every 24 in-game hours, you can collect 100 Septims from your spouse’s earnings.

Choosing the Right Spouse

Selecting the right spouse is crucial for a satisfying marital experience in Skyrim. Here are a few popular choices and their unique perks:

• Aela the Huntress: A formidable warrior and member of the Companions. She makes an excellent follower and offers a unique perspective on life.
• Lydia: Your starting Housecarl and a loyal companion. She’s readily available and provides consistent support.
• Mjoll the Lioness: A fearless adventurer with a strong moral compass. She offers insightful conversation and a reliable ally.
• Argis the Bulwark: This character is considered one of the best husbands to marry in Skyrim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spouses in Skyrim

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about spouses in Skyrim to enhance your understanding of the game’s marital dynamics.

1. Can my spouse divorce me in Skyrim?

Sadly, no. There isn’t a divorce mechanic in Skyrim. Marriage is a lifetime commitment (in-game, at least). The only way to “undo” a marriage is through the death of your spouse.

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

Aside from companionship, marriage provides temporary regeneration boosts to magicka, health, and stamina that can be applied once a day. You also gain access to your spouse’s home (if they have one) and can receive a share of their earnings.

3. Why won’t my wife move in Skyrim?

This can be due to various reasons, including game glitches. Try waiting a few in-game days, reloading a previous save, or ensuring you have a bed in your house (especially in Hearthfire homes).

4. How does marriage work in Skyrim?

To get married, obtain the Amulet of Mara in Riften, speak with Maramal, approach the desired NPC, complete their prerequisite quest (if any), propose, and attend the wedding ceremony.

5. Who is the best stay-at-home husband in Skyrim?

Argis the Bulwark is often considered the best stay-at-home husband, known for his strength and protective nature.

6. Can you marry a Jarl in Skyrim?

Unfortunately, no. Jarls, such as Balgruuf, are not eligible for marriage in Skyrim.

7. Can you have two wives in Skyrim?

No, you can only marry one person in Skyrim per playthrough. Even if your spouse dies, you cannot remarry.

8. Can a woman marry another woman in Skyrim?

Yes! Skyrim allows same-sex marriages. Gender is not a barrier to matrimony.

9. Can you have kids in Skyrim?

In the base game, no. However, the Hearthfire DLC allows you to adopt children. The Dragonborn never sires or bears a child.

10. What happens if you lose your wife in Skyrim?

If your spouse goes missing, check their original location or wait a few days in your house. They may eventually appear.

11. What happens if you say no to marriage in Skyrim during the ceremony?

If you back out during the wedding ceremony, your potential spouse will be angry, and the wedding will be called off. You’ll likely lose their favor.

12. What happens if my wife dies in Skyrim?

She is gone for good! You only get to marry once. If your wife dies that’s it.

13. Do wives make money in Skyrim?

Yes, every 24 in-game hours, you can collect a share of 100 Septims from your spouse’s job earnings.

14. How many times can you get married on Skyrim?

Only once. Choose wisely!

15. Can you have children with your spouse in Skyrim?

Not in the original game, but you can adopt children if you buy the Hearthfire DLC.

Ultimately, having your spouse live with you in Skyrim is a rewarding experience that adds depth and personality to your gameplay. By understanding the mechanics and troubleshooting any issues, you can create a thriving virtual marriage and enjoy the many benefits it offers. Remember, the Games Learning Society website, at GamesLearningSociety.org, provides great insights into gaming. Discover more about learning through games with the Games Learning Society!