Skyrim Spouse Selection: Maximizing Your Marital Monetary Gains

The question of who to marry in Skyrim for the greatest financial benefit isn’t as straightforward as simply picking the spouse who hands over the most gold each day. It’s a blend of income, access to resources, convenience, and even personal preference. However, if pure monetary gain is your primary objective, marrying a shop owner or someone with pre-existing wealth offers the most immediate and consistent return.

While no spouse will make you wealthy overnight, some definitely contribute more to your coffers than others. Considering factors like shop ownership and readily available resources, Camilla Valerius of Riverwood Trader emerges as a strong contender. Her daily income, combined with access to her shop’s inventory, provides a distinct advantage. Alternatively, Ysolda in Whiterun is another excellent choice. She openly dreams of running her own business and after marriage, she does just that and earns a steady income.

Weighing Your Options: More Than Just Gold

Choosing a spouse in Skyrim isn’t just about the gold. Think about it – do you envision a life of adventure? Or perhaps a quiet existence, managing your estate and investments? Some spouses are more suited to specific playstyles. Here’s a look at what makes different spouses appealing from a financial perspective, along with a consideration of their other attributes.

The Shopkeepers: Reliable Revenue Streams

• Camilla Valerius (Riverwood Trader): Marrying Camilla grants you access to the Riverwood Trader’s inventory and profits. This means you can buy and sell items at a slightly better rate, indirectly increasing your earnings. Moreover, her daily share of the profits, while not astronomical, is consistent. Her location in Riverwood is also beneficial, as it’s easily accessible early in the game.

• Ysolda (Whiterun): Ysolda dreams of becoming a merchant, and marriage allows her to achieve that dream. Her daily income is a reliable source of funds, and she’s conveniently located in Whiterun, a central hub. Keep in mind she may or may not be dealing with questionable materials in order to run her shop (wink wink).

The Property Owners: Leveraging Existing Assets

• Argis the Bulwark (Markarth): While not a shopkeeper, Argis is a housecarl in Markarth and resides in Vlindrel Hall. Marrying Argis means you have access to this property as a convenient base of operations in Markarth. This saves you from having to purchase it separately, an initial investment of 8,000 gold.

The Adventurers: Indirect Income through Quests and Loot

• Aela the Huntress (The Companions): Marrying Aela offers a unique advantage: she’s a skilled archer and a member of the Companions. This means she can accompany you on quests, providing extra firepower and increasing the loot you acquire. While not direct income, the increased efficiency in clearing dungeons and completing quests translates to more gold.

• Mjoll the Lioness (Riften): Similar to Aela, Mjoll is a formidable warrior who can join you on adventures. Her unique characteristic is her essential status, making her nearly unkillable. This allows her to tank damage and draw enemy fire, again contributing to your success in quests and dungeon crawls, thus boosting your overall financial gains.

Don’t Forget the “Lesser” Options

While the above are arguably the best options, characters like Sylgja (Shor’s Stone) and Brelyna Maryon (College of Winterhold) still provide some income and unique benefits. Sylgja, though living in a smaller mining town, is a hard worker and provides a steady, albeit smaller, income. Brelyna, on the other hand, is a powerful mage who can serve as a potent follower, again aiding in quest completion and resource gathering.

Strategic Considerations: Location, Location, Location!

The location of your spouse can significantly impact your gameplay. Having a spouse in a major city like Whiterun or Riften offers easy access to merchants, trainers, and quests. A spouse in a smaller town like Riverwood or Shor’s Stone might be less convenient but can still provide a safe haven and a source of income.

Final Verdict: The Best for Gold

Considering the combination of readily available shops, reliable income, and convenient locations, Camilla Valerius and Ysolda emerge as the best spouses for maximizing your financial gains in Skyrim. Camilla offers immediate access to a thriving business, while Ysolda quickly establishes her shop after marriage, offering a good steady income.

Remember, while these spouses offer financial benefits, the “best” spouse ultimately depends on your playstyle and preferences. Do you value convenience, combat prowess, or simply a companion who shares your values? Weigh these factors alongside the financial benefits to make the best choice for your Dragonborn.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much gold does my spouse give me per day?

The amount of gold your spouse gives you per day varies, but it’s generally between 100-300 gold. It depends on their merchant skills and the success of their business. It is typically a small percentage of whatever money the spouse’s shop has generated that day, which is why a higher-end shop is the best choice.

2. Does my spouse’s race affect their income?

No, your spouse’s race does not affect their income or their ability to run a shop. The primary factor is their existing merchant skills or their ability to establish a successful business after marriage.

3. Can I marry multiple people in Skyrim?

No, you can only marry one person at a time in Skyrim. Marriage is a permanent commitment (unless you resort to drastic measures!).

4. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?

There is no official divorce mechanic in Skyrim. The only way to end a marriage is by… well, let’s just say it’s permanent. Be sure of your choice!

5. Does marrying someone affect my character’s skills?

No, marrying someone doesn’t directly affect your character’s skills. However, some spouses offer bonuses, such as cooked meals that provide temporary skill boosts. In addition, having a follower makes completing dungeons a lot easier.

6. Can my spouse die?

Yes, your spouse can die, but it depends on whether they are flagged as “essential”. Spouses who are also followers, like Aela or Mjoll, are often essential and therefore harder to kill. However, non-essential spouses are vulnerable to enemy attacks.

7. What are the benefits of marrying someone who owns a store?

Marrying someone who owns a store provides a reliable source of income, access to their inventory, and potentially better buying and selling prices. This is a significant financial advantage over marrying someone without a business.

8. Can I marry a Jarl?

No, you cannot marry a Jarl in Skyrim. Jarls are important political figures and are not available as marriage candidates. You can flirt with some of them, though!

9. How do I get married in Skyrim?

To get married, you need to acquire the Amulet of Mara and wear it while speaking to a potential spouse. This signifies your interest in marriage. You can purchase the amulet from Maramal in Riften.

10. Does it matter where I live with my spouse?

Yes, it matters where you live, as it affects your access to resources and amenities. Living in a major city provides easy access to merchants and trainers, while living in a remote location offers a more peaceful and secluded lifestyle.

11. Can I move my spouse to a different house?

Yes, you can move your spouse to any house that you own. This allows you to customize your living situation and choose a location that suits your needs and playstyle.

12. Are there any quests related to marriage in Skyrim?

While there isn’t a dedicated “marriage questline,” completing your spouse’s personal quests (if they have any) can improve your relationship and unlock additional benefits.

13. Can I marry someone of a different race than my character?

Yes, you can marry someone of any race in Skyrim. Race is not a factor in determining marriage eligibility.

14. What happens if my spouse gets kidnapped?

In rare cases, your spouse can be kidnapped by bandits as part of a random encounter. You’ll need to rescue them to prevent any negative consequences.

15. Is it possible to have children in Skyrim?

No, it is not possible to have biological children in the base game of Skyrim. However, the Hearthfire DLC allows you to adopt children and build a family.