Who is the Best Wife in Skyrim for Money? A Gold-Digging Guide

Let’s cut to the chase: there’s no single “best” wife in Skyrim for maximizing your in-game income if you’re only considering the daily 100 gold you get from your spouse. All spouses provide this benefit. However, the most lucrative wife is someone who owns a pre-existing shop or has the skills to continue practicing a trade, effectively expanding your access to goods and services.

Therefore, while the daily 100 gold is a nice bonus, the real advantage comes from marrying a merchant or a skilled craftsperson. Think of it as expanding your business network, not just finding someone to cook you dinner (though they do that too!). So, focusing on finding spouses with strong mercantile skills or trade jobs is the best approach!

Maximizing Your Marital Income: Beyond the 100 Gold

Understanding the Skyrim Marriage System

Before diving into specific candidates, let’s understand the mechanics of marriage in Skyrim. After acquiring the Amulet of Mara and completing the appropriate quest, you can marry almost any eligible NPC in the game. Once married, your spouse moves into your home (or allows you to live in theirs) and provides a daily income of 100 gold. They also offer a “homecooked meal” buff, which provides temporary stat bonuses. However, they can’t cook any better than any other cook NPC!

The Power of the Pre-Existing Shop

The key to maximizing your financial gains through marriage lies in choosing a spouse who already runs a business or possesses a valuable skill. Here’s why this is crucial:

• Continued Business Operations: When you marry a shopkeeper, their store continues to operate. This means you gain easier access to their inventory and services.
• Investment Opportunities: You can invest in their shop (with the Merchant perk from the Speech skill tree) to further increase their available gold, allowing you to sell more items to them.
• Convenient Trading: Having a spouse with a shop provides a convenient place to sell loot, purchase supplies, and even acquire rare items that might not be readily available elsewhere.

Top Contenders for Wealthy Wives

Based on these criteria, here are some of the best female spouses for maximizing your wealth in Skyrim:

• Ysolda (Whiterun): A key player in the Whiterun trade scene, Ysolda already has connections and operates an active business that is beneficial for your wealth. Marrying her gives you access to her stock and potential connections.
• Camilla Valerius (Riverwood): As co-owner of the Riverwood Trader, Camilla offers immediate access to a well-stocked general store. Marrying her essentially grants you a stake in a thriving business from the start of the game. When you marry her, her shop continues operating, so you get to benefit from that!
• Aeri (The Rift): She works at her own mill, providing a source of lumber. This can be useful for building your own home via the Hearthfire DLC, saving you a lot of gold on building materials.

The Importance of Player Agency

Ultimately, the “best” wife for money in Skyrim depends on your playstyle. Do you need a reliable source of arrows? Marry an archer with access to a fletcher. Do you need a steady supply of potions? Marry an alchemist.

FAQs: Skyrim Marriage and Finances

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the financial aspects of marriage in Skyrim:

1. Do all spouses provide the same amount of daily gold?

   Yes, regardless of their background, all spouses offer 100 gold per day upon request.

2. Does my spouse’s race affect their earning potential?

   No, race has no impact on their ability to generate income. A Breton merchant will function the same as an Orc merchant.

3. Can I divorce my spouse if I’m not happy?

   Unfortunately, there is no divorce mechanic in the base game of Skyrim. The only way to end a marriage is to kill your spouse.

4. Can I have multiple wives in Skyrim?

   No, you can only have one spouse at a time. Even if your spouse dies, you cannot remarry.

5. Does owning a house affect my spouse’s income?

   No, owning a house does not directly affect the 100 gold daily income. However, providing a home for your spouse may unlock other benefits, like the “homecooked meal” buff.

6. Can I invest in my spouse’s shop to increase their inventory?

   Yes! The Merchant perk in the Speech skill tree allows you to invest in your spouse’s shop, increasing their available gold and making them a better trading partner.

7. What happens if my spouse is a follower?

   Even if your spouse is a follower, they will still open a shop. You can have the best of both worlds – a companion and a business partner!

8. Does my speech skill affect how much gold I get from my spouse?

   No, your speech skill only affects the prices you get when buying and selling items. The 100 gold daily income is fixed.

9. Can my spouse die in combat if they are a follower?

   Yes, if your spouse is a follower, they are vulnerable to death. Be careful where you take them!

10. **Does the *Hearthfire DLC* add new marriage options that are better for income?**

    The Hearthfire DLC primarily allows you to build a house and adopt children. It doesn’t directly add new marriageable NPCs who are inherently better for income, but marrying someone who can provide resources like lumber (e.g., Aeri) can indirectly save you money when building your home.

11. What if I marry someone who doesn’t own a shop?

    Even if your spouse isn’t a shopkeeper, they will still open a general goods store after marriage. However, it won’t be as lucrative as marrying someone who already has an established business.

12. Is there a mod that allows for polygamy in Skyrim?

    Yes, there are mods that allow for multiple spouses, but these are not part of the base game and may affect gameplay stability.

13. Does marrying someone change their personality?

    No, marrying someone doesn’t significantly alter their personality or dialogue. They will primarily offer spouse-specific dialogue options.

14. Can my spouse be kidnapped or held hostage?

    There are certain quests where your spouse may be kidnapped, but this is rare.

15. Is there a ‘best’ time to ask someone to marry me in Skyrim?

    Not really, no! There’s no specific point in the game you have to reach. Once you’ve met the prerequistes and completed their quest, you can get married at any time.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Dragonborn

While the daily 100 gold from your spouse is a consistent source of income, it shouldn’t be the only factor in your marital decision. Consider their skills, their existing businesses, and how they can contribute to your overall wealth and success in Skyrim. Happy hunting, and may your marriage be as prosperous as it is fulfilling!

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