Who is the Best Character to Marry in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of who the “best” character to marry in Skyrim is, unsurprisingly, highly subjective. There’s no single right answer, as it depends entirely on your personal preferences and gameplay style. However, if forced to choose one, I’d lean towards Aela the Huntress. She’s a strong, independent, and skilled warrior who remains a valuable companion after marriage. Her unique werewolf abilities also add a layer of intrigue and practicality that many other spouses lack. But let’s dive into why she is such a good choice as well as some other potential spouses to choose from!

Why Marriage Matters in Skyrim

Marriage in Skyrim offers several benefits. Your spouse will cook you a daily meal that grants a temporary experience bonus, opens a shop providing a steady income (100 gold per day), and provides a place to sleep, giving you the “Well Rested” bonus. Furthermore, if they are normally a follower, you will be able to bring them along on all of your adventures!

Top Contenders for Best Spouse

While Aela is a personal favorite, several other characters make excellent spouses. Let’s explore some top contenders, considering their strengths and weaknesses:

• Aela the Huntress: As mentioned, Aela is a formidable archer and werewolf. Her strong personality and loyalty make her a compelling companion. Her continued follower status means you’re essentially getting a powerful, versatile companion and a spouse.
• Farkas/Vilkas: These twin brothers from the Companions offer similar benefits to Aela. They are skilled warriors, reliable companions, and generally pleasant to be around. They also offer their services as trainers for heavy armor. Choosing between the two often comes down to personal preference. Farkas’s speech skill of 100 may be more useful to some players, while Vilkas is a bit of a grouch.
• Lydia: A classic choice, Lydia is the first housecarl most players encounter. She’s dedicated, dependable, and readily available. Her unwavering loyalty makes her a solid, if somewhat bland, option for a first-time marriage. She can be a shield when you are adventuring.
• Muiri: If you’re looking for someone with a dark side, Muiri from Markarth could be a good fit. Completing her questline (which involves assassinating someone) unlocks her as a marriage candidate. She has a unique backstory and a somewhat melancholic personality.
• Brelyna Maryon: A student at the College of Winterhold, Brelyna is a talented mage with a quirky personality. Her constant experiments can be amusing, and her magical prowess makes her a valuable asset in combat.
• Ysolda: A merchant in Whiterun, Ysolda is a friendly and approachable option. Her quest is simple (finding a mammoth tusk), making her easily accessible. She offers a more “normal” life than some of the other candidates.
• Camilla Valerius: Caught in a love triangle in Riverwood, Camilla is a kind-hearted shopkeeper. She offers a simple, stable life away from the dangers of adventuring.
• Argis the Bulwark: One of the easier marriage partners, Argis is a housecarl, sworn to protect your home. He is a skilled warrior and has strong stats.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a spouse, consider the following:

• Personality: Do you want someone strong and independent, or gentle and supportive?
• Skills: Do you need a spouse who is a skilled warrior, mage, or archer?
• Location: Do you want someone who lives in a specific city or town?
• Questline: Are you willing to complete a specific quest to unlock them as a marriage candidate?
• Follower Status: If you want them to continue on your adventures, marry someone who can be a follower

The Modding Community’s Influence

It’s impossible to discuss Skyrim without mentioning the modding community. Numerous mods expand marriage options, allowing you to marry characters who are unavailable in the vanilla game, customize your spouse’s appearance, and even add divorce options. These mods significantly broaden the possibilities and allow players to tailor their marriage experience to their specific desires. Check out the GamesLearningSociety.org to find mods!

Understanding Essential NPCs

Some NPCs in Skyrim are coded as essential, which means they cannot be killed by the player. Marrying an essential NPC like Aela offers a unique advantage: their survival is guaranteed, removing any worries of losing them to unfortunate in-game events.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the “best” spouse in Skyrim is the one that best suits your playstyle and preferences. Do your research, consider your options, and choose the character who brings you the most enjoyment. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different spouses on different playthroughs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does it matter who I marry in Skyrim?

Yes, to a degree. Spouses provide several benefits, including a daily income, a temporary experience bonus from home-cooked meals, and a place to sleep for the “Well Rested” bonus. If you marry a follower, they’ll continue to accompany you on your adventures. The most important benefit to consider is if you want your spouse to continue adventuring with you, and therefore you should marry a follower.

2. Can I have multiple wives in Skyrim?

No, you can only have one spouse at a time in the unmodded version of the game.

3. Can I get divorced in Skyrim?

Officially, no. The game lacks a divorce mechanic. However, if your spouse is non-essential, you can kill them. The modding community has divorce mods available that can enable it.

4. How do I get married in Skyrim?

You must first obtain an Amulet of Mara from Riften. Wear the amulet and speak to a character you want to marry. If they are interested, they’ll agree. Then, speak to Maramal in the Temple of Mara in Riften to arrange the wedding.

5. Which spouses generate the most money?

All spouses generate 100 gold per day. However, if you marry a shopkeeper, their shop will continue operating, providing an additional source of income.

6. Can I marry Karliah?

Yes, Karliah is marriable. She can be a follower as well!

7. Can I marry a Jarl in Skyrim?

No, you cannot marry a Jarl, such as Jarl Balgruuf.

8. Can my wife leave me in Skyrim?

No, your wife will not leave you. The only way to get rid of them is to kill them (if they are non-essential) or use a mod.

9. Can I have a biological child in Skyrim?

No, you cannot have biological children in the vanilla game. You can adopt children after installing the Hearthfire DLC.

10. Can I turn Lydia into a vampire?

Yes, with the Dawnguard DLC and by siding with the vampires, you can turn Lydia into a vampire.

11. Should I turn Ysolda into a vampire?

That’s a matter of personal taste. Ysolda is a popular choice for vampirism due to the unique markings she acquires, but it depends on whether you want a vampire spouse.

12. Who is the easiest person to marry in Skyrim?

Ysolda is often considered one of the easiest, as her quest is simply to find a mammoth tusk. Uthgerd the Unbroken is also easy, requiring only a successful brawl.

13. Can I marry Vex?

No, Vex is not a marriage option in Skyrim.

14. Are there any essential spouses in Skyrim?

Yes, Aela the Huntress is an essential character, making her an excellent marriage candidate as she can not die.

15. Which is the best house in Skyrim to live in with my spouse?

Lakeview Manor from the Hearthfire DLC is widely considered one of the best due to its buildable options, beautiful scenery, and proximity to nature.