Ultimate Guide on How to Marry in Skyrim: Tips and Secrets

What is Marriage in Skyrim?
Why Marry in Skyrim?
How to Get Married in Skyrim
Marriageable NPCs in Skyrim
Tips for a Successful Marriage
Common Marriage Bugs and Fixes
After the Wedding: What to Expect
Conclusion
FAQs

What is Marriage in Skyrim?

In the vast world of Skyrim, marriage is not just a romantic gesture but a practical aspect of gameplay. Players can find love among the many NPCs (non-playable characters) throughout the game, leading to various benefits such as shared home, companionship, and even additional income through the "Lover's Comfort" perk.

Why Marry in Skyrim?

Marrying in Skyrim offers several advantages:

Enhanced Gameplay: Marriage allows players to experience deeper connections with characters.
Home Benefits: A spouse can help manage your household, providing a place to rest and recover.
Income: A married character can generate gold through various in-game activities.
Lover's Comfort: Sleeping near a spouse grants a skill boost to leveling up.

How to Get Married in Skyrim

To get married in Skyrim, you must follow specific steps:

Obtain the Amulet of Mara: This amulet is essential for signaling your intent to marry. You can get it from Maramal at the Temple of Mara in Riften.
Choose Your Spouse: Identify a character you wish to marry. Make sure they are eligible and not already married.
Propose: Wear the Amulet of Mara, speak to your chosen character, and express your desire to marry.
Attend the Wedding: After your proposal, a wedding ceremony will be scheduled—usually at the Temple of Mara.

Step 1: Obtain the Amulet of Mara

The Amulet of Mara is crucial for initiating marriage. Visit Maramal in the Temple of Mara in Riften, and after a brief conversation, you can purchase the amulet for 200 gold.

Step 2: Choose Your Spouse

Not every NPC can be married. Some popular options include:

Camilla Valerius (Riverwood)
Farkas (Whiterun)
Mjoll the Lioness (Riften)
Ysolda (Whiterun)
Aela the Huntress (Whiterun)

Step 3: Propose

Once you wear the Amulet of Mara, approach your chosen NPC and initiate a conversation. If they are interested, you will have the option to propose marriage.

Step 4: Attend the Wedding

After proposing, wait for a few in-game days for the wedding to be scheduled. Attend the ceremony at the Temple of Mara where you will officially become married.

Marriageable NPCs in Skyrim

Skyrim boasts a diverse range of characters available for marriage. Here is an extensive list of marriageable NPCs categorized by race and location:

Name	Location	Race
Camilla Valerius	Riverwood	Imperial
Farkas	Whiterun	Nord
Mjoll the Lioness	Riften	Nord
Ysolda	Whiterun	Nord
Aela the Huntress	Whiterun	Nord
Argis the Bulwark	Markarth	Nord
Rjorn's Drum	Windhelm	Nord

Tips for a Successful Marriage

To ensure a thriving marriage in Skyrim, consider the following tips:

Choose Wisely: Pick a spouse who complements your gameplay style.
Gifts Matter: Regularly gifting items to your spouse can strengthen your relationship.
Manage Your Home: Create a comfortable living space to enhance your spouse’s happiness.
Engage in Quests: Assist your spouse in quests to improve your bond.

Common Marriage Bugs and Fixes

Occasionally, players may encounter bugs related to marriage. Here are common issues and potential fixes:

Spouse Not Appearing: If your spouse doesn't appear in your home, try waiting for 24 hours or fast travel away and back.
Wedding Ceremony Glitch: If the wedding doesn't start, reload a prior save and try proposing again.
Spouse Not Engaging: Ensure you've completed any necessary quests related to your spouse.

After the Wedding: What to Expect

Once married, your spouse will move into your home. They may offer various services and participate in your adventures. You can also choose to have children, with the option to adopt or have biological children.

Conclusion

Marrying in Skyrim can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. By following this guide, players can navigate the nuances of in-game relationships, ensuring a fulfilling and fun adventure in the world of Tamriel. Whether you choose to marry for love or for the perks, the journey is bound to be memorable.

FAQs

Can I marry more than once in Skyrim? - No, you can only have one spouse at a time, but you can remarry if your spouse dies.
Do I need to complete any quests to marry? - Some NPCs require specific quests to be completed before they can marry you.
What happens if my spouse dies? - You can remarry after your spouse's death.
Can my spouse help me in battles? - Yes, depending on the NPC, they can assist in combat.
How do I change houses with my spouse? - Speak to them and select the dialogue option to move to a different home.
Can I adopt children after marriage? - Yes, you can adopt children after getting married.
What skills can I gain from marriage? - You can receive the "Lover's Comfort" bonus, which provides a temporary skill increase after sleeping near your spouse.
How do I break up with my spouse? - You can choose to kill your spouse or use the console commands if you are on PC.
Is there a limit to how many times I can marry in Skyrim? - There is no limit as long as your previous spouse is deceased or you use console commands.
Can I marry NPCs from DLCs? - Yes, some DLC characters are also eligible for marriage.

For more in-depth guides, check out these resources:

IGN Skyrim Marriage Guide
Gamepedia Marriage Guide
Fextralife Skyrim Marriage Overview