Your Ultimate Guide: How to Get Married in Skyrim (The Elder Scrolls V)
Embarking on a new adventure in the land of Skyrim is an exciting prospect, and for many players, this includes the prospect of finding love and settling down. Marriage in Skyrim offers a unique way to enhance your gameplay, providing a loyal companion, a new home, and even some passive income. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the marriage process in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, ensuring you can find your perfect match and tie the knot in the snowy province. From understanding the requirements to the in-game ceremony, we’ve got you covered.
Unlocking the Secrets to Skyrim Matrimony
Before you can begin planning your Skyrim wedding, you’ll need to meet a few prerequisites. The most crucial item is the Amulet of Mara. This sacred artifact is essential for initiating marriage dialogue with potential spouses. You can obtain the Amulet of Mara by completing a specific quest for Maramal, a priest of Mara located in Riften. Once you’ve acquired the amulet, wear it to signify your readiness for marriage.
Finding Your One True Nord (or Elf, or Argonian…)
Skyrim offers a diverse range of potential spouses, each with their own unique personalities, backgrounds, and even potential benefits for your Dragonborn. To be eligible for marriage with any NPC, you must first complete a favor or quest for them. This quest-based requirement ensures that you build a connection and demonstrate your worthiness in the eyes of your chosen love interest. Remember, not all NPCs in Skyrim are marriageable, so you’ll need to be selective.
Marriageable Races and Locations
Skyrim’s marriage system is inclusive, allowing you to marry individuals from all the playable races. Whether you’re drawn to the stoic Nords, the agile Bosmer, the wise Altmer, or any other race, there’s a potential partner for you. These individuals can be found throughout the various holds and cities of Skyrim, often holding specific jobs or roles within their communities.
Here’s a general overview of where to find potential spouses:
- Whiterun: Several marriageable NPCs reside here, including guards and merchants.
- Solitude: The capital city offers a few more options, often tied to military or political roles.
- Riften: Known for its bustling markets and underbelly, Riften has its share of potential partners.
- Markarth: This Dwemer-ruin-infused city also presents unique marriage candidates.
- Windhelm: The racial tensions in Windhelm don’t preclude romance, with several NPCs available.
- Other Holds: Smaller towns and villages across Skyrim also have potential spouses.
The Marriage Questline: From Acquaintance to Spouse
Once you’ve identified a potential spouse and have the Amulet of Mara equipped, you can initiate the marriage dialogue. Approach your chosen NPC and speak to them. If they respond positively and you are wearing the amulet, they will mention an interest in you. This is your cue to ask them about marriage. They will then direct you to speak with Maramal in Riften to learn more about the rites of Mara.
Maramal, the priest of Mara in Riften, is the key figure for initiating and completing the marriage ceremony. Ensure you speak with him after your chosen NPC expresses interest.
After speaking with Maramal, you’ll need to return to your intended spouse and inform them that you are ready to get married. They will then instruct you to meet at the Temple of Mara in Riften the following day. The ceremony itself is a brief but meaningful event, officiated by Maramal.
Benefits of Tying the Knot in Skyrim
Marriage in Skyrim is more than just a role-playing element; it offers tangible benefits to your gameplay. Your spouse becomes a loyal companion, capable of accompanying you on your adventures, fighting alongside you, and even carrying some of your loot. They can also offer you a daily bonus to your Speech skill, making trading and persuasion easier.
Additionally, if your spouse is not already living in a home, they will move into your primary residence, providing you with a dedicated spouse bedroom and a cook who can prepare special meals that offer significant buffs. These meals can provide substantial boosts to health, magicka, and stamina, proving invaluable in challenging combat encounters.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Companion | Fights alongside you, can be a follower. |
| Merchant | Can sometimes gift you gold from their earnings. |
| Speech Buff | Daily bonus to Speech skill after interaction. |
| Home Cook | Prepares special meals with significant buffs. |
Troubleshooting Common Marriage Issues
While the marriage system in Skyrim is generally straightforward, some players may encounter minor issues. One common problem is the spouse not appearing for the ceremony. This can sometimes be resolved by waiting a full in-game day or by ensuring you have completed the proper dialogue with both your spouse and Maramal.
Another potential snag is if your chosen NPC is in a non-marriageable state due to quest progression. In such cases, you might need to wait for the relevant quest to conclude or reload a previous save file. Patience and careful attention to dialogue are key to a smooth marriage experience.
If your spouse is stuck in a certain location or won’t follow you, try fast-traveling to a new location or re-entering their home. Sometimes, simply waiting for them to reset their AI can resolve movement or follower issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skyrim Marriage
Q1: Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?
No, there is no in-game divorce mechanic in Skyrim. If you wish to marry someone else, you would typically need to kill your current spouse or load a save file from before your marriage.
Q2: Can I marry multiple people at once?
No, Skyrim’s marriage system only allows for one spouse at a time. Attempting to marry a second person while already married will not work.
Q3: What happens if my spouse dies?
If your spouse dies, they are gone permanently. You will need to reload a previous save file if you wish to have them back. If you wish to marry again after their death, you will need to find another marriageable NPC.
In conclusion, getting married in Skyrim is a rewarding experience that adds depth and companionship to your dragon-slaying adventures. By acquiring the Amulet of Mara, completing a favor for your chosen NPC, and speaking with Maramal, you can successfully tie the knot. Your spouse will become a valuable ally, offering combat support, unique dialogue, and beneficial home-cooked meals. Remember to be patient, pay attention to quest triggers, and enjoy the process of finding your perfect match in Tamriel. A happy marriage can truly enhance your journey as the Dragonborn, making the vast world of Skyrim feel a little less lonely.
