Who is the Easiest Girl to Marry in Skyrim? Your Definitive Guide

The world of Skyrim is vast, filled with dragons, magic, and, of course, potential spouses! Navigating the romantic landscape can be a bit daunting, especially when you’re more focused on slaying Alduin than finding “the one.” So, let’s cut to the chase: the easiest girl to marry in Skyrim is arguably Lydia.

Lydia’s accessibility stems from her role as your housecarl in Whiterun. The main questline practically throws you together. Becoming Thane of Whiterun, a relatively simple task, automatically assigns her to you as a follower. This ease of access, combined with the simple requirement of wearing the Amulet of Mara, makes her a convenient choice for players seeking a quick and straightforward marriage.

However, while Lydia might be the easiest, she may not necessarily be the best for every player. This guide will delve into the nuances of marrying Lydia, the marriage system in general, and other potential spouses, ensuring you make the most informed decision for your Dragonborn’s future.

Why Lydia is the “Easiest”

• Early Availability: As mentioned, Lydia becomes available very early in the game. You don’t need to complete extensive quests or reach high levels to meet her.
• Simple Acquisition: Becoming Thane of Whiterun is a natural progression of the main quest, making Lydia an almost unavoidable companion.
• No Complex Quest Requirements: Unlike some spouses who require you to complete lengthy or morally ambiguous quests, Lydia requires no special favors. Once you have an Amulet of Mara and speak to her, the option to propose will appear if you’re looking to tie the knot.
• Basic Follower Functionality: She fulfills the basic follower role, carrying your burdens and fighting alongside you. This functionality is instantly available, contributing to her overall convenience.

Beyond Lydia: Other Marriage Candidates

While Lydia is accessible, Skyrim offers a diverse roster of marriageable NPCs, each with unique personalities, skills, and quest requirements. Consider these factors before settling on a spouse:

• Personality: Do you prefer a warrior, a mage, or a thief? Different spouses offer different personalities and backstories.
• Skills: Spouses can follow you on adventures and assist in combat. Their skills (archery, one-handed, magic, etc.) should complement your playstyle.
• Housecarl Status: Some spouses, like Lydia, can also serve as your housecarl, guarding your home. Others may not offer this perk.
• Questline Involvement: Some spouses require you to complete specific questlines to unlock them as marriage candidates. These quests can add depth to your game experience.
• Moral Alignment: Are you playing a virtuous hero or a ruthless villain? Certain spouses may align better with your character’s moral compass. Muiri for example, is tied to the Dark Brotherhood questline.

The Marriage Process: Step-by-Step

Regardless of who you choose, the marriage process in Skyrim remains consistent:

1. Acquire the Amulet of Mara: This amulet, purchased from Maramal in Riften, signifies your eligibility for marriage. You need to speak to Maramal about marriage as well for the option to propose to appear with the Amulet of Mara.
2. Find a Compatible NPC: Explore Skyrim and interact with various characters. Look for dialogue options that hint at romantic interest or a positive relationship.
3. Wear the Amulet of Mara: Equip the Amulet of Mara.
4. Propose: Speak to the desired NPC while wearing the amulet. If they are amenable, a dialogue option to propose will appear.
5. Attend the Wedding: Once the proposal is accepted, you have 24 in-game hours to attend your wedding at the Temple of Mara in Riften.
6. Live Happily Ever After (or Not): After the wedding, your spouse will move into your home and offer various benefits, such as cooking meals and providing a daily income.

Alternatives to Lydia: Weighing Your Options

While Lydia excels in ease of access, other potential spouses may offer more desirable qualities:

• Aela the Huntress: A skilled archer and werewolf from the Companions, Aela is a popular choice for players who enjoy a strong, independent partner.
• Mjoll the Lioness: A noble warrior dedicated to eradicating evil, Mjoll is a good option for virtuous characters.
• Brelyna Maryon: A talented mage from the College of Winterhold, Brelyna is ideal for players who focus on magic.
• Ysolda: A Nord woman who deals in Mammoth Tusks, she resides in Whiterun, making her an accessible choice.

Ultimately, the “best” spouse is subjective and depends on your personal preferences.

Skyrim Marriage: FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering uncertainties about marriage in Skyrim:

1. Can you have 2 wives in Skyrim?

No, you can only have one spouse at a time in Skyrim. Even if your spouse dies, you cannot remarry in the base game without mods.

2. What happens if you marry Camilla in Skyrim?

If you marry Camilla Valerius, she will run her own store. If you don’t own a home, she’ll reside in the Riverwood Trader. Once you move her to a new home, she’ll open her store there, offering around 700-750 gold.

3. Can your wife divorce you in Skyrim?

Sadly, divorce is not an option in Skyrim. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. The only way to end a marriage is through the death of your spouse.

4. Who can you not marry in Skyrim?

Several NPCs are not marriageable, including Jarl Balgruuf the Elder, Sapphire, Saadia, Teldryn Sero, Astrid, Balagog gro-Nolob, Elisif the Fair, and Brynjolf. These characters have either quest-related limitations or are simply not programmed to be marriage candidates.

5. Can you get your spouse pregnant in Skyrim?

In the base game, you cannot have biological children or get your spouse pregnant. The game allows for family building only through adoption.

6. Can you have a biological child in Skyrim?

No, the Dragonborn never sires or bears a child in the vanilla game. Adopted children are the only option for building a family.

7. Can a girl marry a girl in Skyrim?

Yes, same-sex marriage is permitted in Skyrim. The game does not restrict marriage based on gender or race.

8. Who is the most loved character in Skyrim?

Character preference is subjective, but some of the most liked characters include Paarthurnax, J’zargo, Neloth, and M’aiq the Liar. These characters often have intriguing backstories, helpful dialogue, or humorous quirks.

9. Who is the most powerful woman in Skyrim?

Politically, the most powerful woman is likely Elenwen, the representative of the Aldmeri Dominion. Her influence and control are significant, affecting both the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloak Rebellion.

10. Can you marry a Jarl in Skyrim?

No, you cannot marry Jarl Balgruuf or most other Jarls in Skyrim. While some mods may offer this option, it’s not possible in the base game.

11. Can you orphan kids in Skyrim?

With the Hearthfire DLC, you can adopt orphan children found in various cities after completing the “Innocence Lost” quest and owning a house.

12. Can you have 3 kids in Skyrim?

Without mods, you are limited to adopting two children in Skyrim. Some mods can expand the adoption count, but they may introduce bugs or compatibility issues.

13. Can I turn my child into a vampire in Skyrim?

You cannot turn children into vampires without using mods. The base game does not include this functionality.

14. Can you marry someone else if your wife dies in Skyrim?

No, even if your spouse dies, you cannot remarry in the standard version of Skyrim. Marriage is a one-time commitment.

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

Marriage in Skyrim provides several benefits, including a spouse who can cook meals, provide a daily income, and follow you on adventures. You also receive temporary regeneration boosts to magicka, health, and stamina once a day.

Making Your Choice: The Final Verdict

While Lydia is the easiest girl to marry in Skyrim due to her early availability and simple requirements, the “best” spouse ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. Consider factors such as personality, skills, questline involvement, and moral alignment when making your decision.

Explore Skyrim, interact with different characters, and choose the spouse who best complements your Dragonborn’s journey. After all, marriage is a significant commitment, even in the virtual world!

Want to learn more about the intersection of games and learning? Explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society and visit GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck, and happy adventuring (and marrying!) in Skyrim!