Tying the Knot in Tamriel: A Comprehensive Guide to Marriage in Skyrim

So, you’ve braved the frozen peaks, slain dragons aplenty, and amassed a fortune in septims. Now, you’re feeling a little lonely in your palatial estate. Perhaps it’s time to settle down and find a spouse in the vast and immersive world of Skyrim. But how exactly do you go about it?

Making someone your wife (or husband) in Skyrim is a relatively straightforward process, though it requires a few key steps. First, you need to obtain an Amulet of Mara. This necklace signals your availability for marriage and acts as an engagement ring of sorts. You can purchase it from Maramal, the priest in the Temple of Mara in Riften. If you complete the quest “The Book of Love” for Maramal, you will get the amulet of Mara. Wear the Amulet of Mara and speak to a potential spouse. If they are interested, a dialogue option will appear, asking if they are interested in you. If they respond positively, you can propose. Finally, return to the Temple of Mara and inform Maramal that you are ready to get married. Attend the wedding ceremony, and congratulations! You’re officially married in Skyrim!

Finding Your Perfect Partner

Before you can tie the knot, you need to find someone worthy of your affections. Skyrim offers a diverse range of potential spouses, each with their own unique skills, backgrounds, and personalities. From fierce warriors to skilled mages and resourceful merchants, there’s someone for everyone.

Eligibility and Availability

Not every NPC (Non-Player Character) in Skyrim is eligible for marriage. Potential spouses typically have a friendly disposition towards you (meaning they’re not actively trying to kill you!) and may require you to complete a quest or favor for them before they become interested. This is a vital part of building that initial connection.

Many potential spouses are tied to specific locations or factions within the game. For example, Aela the Huntress is a member of the Companions in Whiterun, while Aeri can be found working at Anga’s Mill. Completing quests for their associated factions or helping them with personal tasks is often a prerequisite for initiating a romance.

Obtaining the Amulet of Mara

As mentioned earlier, the Amulet of Mara is the key to unlocking the marriage proposal. This amulet symbolizes your desire to commit to a lifelong partnership. You can typically purchase it from Maramal at the Temple of Mara in Riften for 200 gold.

Proposing Marriage

Once you have the Amulet of Mara equipped and have completed any necessary quests or favors for your chosen NPC, speak to them while wearing the amulet. A new dialogue option will appear, allowing you to express your romantic interest. If the NPC reciprocates your feelings, they will accept your proposal.

The Wedding Ceremony

After your proposal is accepted, you’ll need to return to the Temple of Mara in Riften and inform Maramal that you’re ready to get married. He will schedule the wedding ceremony for the next day. Be sure to arrive at the temple on time for the ceremony. Your spouse will be there, as will some guests. Maramal will perform the ceremony, and you will officially be married.

Life After Marriage

Once the wedding vows are exchanged, life in Skyrim takes on a new dimension. Your spouse will move into your home, and you’ll gain several benefits from the union.

Shared Living and Benefits

Your spouse will typically move into one of your owned homes, allowing you to share your living space and resources. They will also provide you with a daily income, typically around 100 gold, representing their contribution to the household. You can also ask your spouse to cook you a home-cooked meal once a day, which will temporarily boost certain skills. This small bonus can be useful when taking on difficult dungeons or bosses.

Spousal Abilities

Many spouses can also serve as followers, accompanying you on your adventures and providing valuable combat support. Some spouses are skilled warriors, while others excel in magic or stealth. Choose a spouse whose abilities complement your own playstyle for maximum effectiveness.

Moving In

If you already have a house, your spouse will ask where they should move. If you do not have a house, you can move into their residence. This is a good option if you like where they are, and don’t already have a house.

FAQs About Marriage in Skyrim

Here are some frequently asked questions about marriage in Skyrim, providing further clarity and insight into this engaging game mechanic:

1. Can you marry anyone in Skyrim? No, not every NPC is eligible for marriage. Only specific NPCs with unique dialogue and dispositions can become your spouse. Typically, completing a quest for them will open them up to the option of marriage.

2. Can you marry someone of the same sex in Skyrim? Yes, Skyrim allows you to marry characters of any gender. Love knows no bounds in the land of the Nords!

3. What happens if my spouse dies in Skyrim? Sadly, if your spouse dies, they are gone for good. You cannot remarry in the base game, making the choice of a spouse all the more important.

4. Can you divorce your spouse in Skyrim? No, there is no formal divorce system in Skyrim. The only way to end a marriage is through the death of your spouse.

5. Can you have children in Skyrim? Not in the base game. However, with the Hearthfire DLC, you can adopt children from orphanages or the streets.

6. Do all spouses offer the same benefits? No, different spouses have different skills and abilities. Some are better warriors, while others are better merchants or mages. Also, some spouses have a home that you can move into, if you don’t have a house.

7. Can I marry a Jarl? Normally, you cannot marry a Jarl. However, with the use of mods, some Jarls can become eligible for marriage.

8. Where can I find the Amulet of Mara? The easiest way to obtain the Amulet of Mara is to purchase it from Maramal in the Temple of Mara in Riften. You can complete the quest, The Book of Love, in order to get the amulet for free.

9. Can I marry Serana (the vampire from the Dawnguard DLC)? Not without using mods. In the base game, Serana is not eligible for marriage.

10. What are some popular choices for spouses in Skyrim? Popular choices include Aela the Huntress (a skilled warrior and member of the Companions), Lydia (your housecarl), and Ysolda (a merchant who can open a shop).

11. Does my spouse have to live in my house? Yes, your spouse will move into your home after the wedding. If you don’t have a house, you’ll move in with them.

12. Can my spouse be a follower? Yes, many spouses can also serve as followers, accompanying you on your adventures and providing combat support.

13. Can you have multiple wives in Skyrim? No, you can only have one spouse at a time. Even if your spouse dies, you cannot remarry in the base game.

14. Do spouses impact the game’s ending or main storyline? No, marriage is largely independent of the main storyline and does not affect the game’s ending.

15. Are there any mods that enhance the marriage system in Skyrim? Yes, there are numerous mods that add new marriage options, expand spousal interactions, and allow for divorce, remarriage, and even having children.

Marriage in Skyrim adds another layer of depth and immersion to an already rich and engaging gaming experience. Whether you’re seeking companionship, financial support, or a skilled ally in battle, finding the right spouse can significantly enhance your adventures in Tamriel. So, equip that Amulet of Mara, explore the land, and find your perfect match!

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