Skyrim Marriage Guide: Find Love & Get Hitched!

Hey fellow adventurers! Ever feel like your Dragonborn needs a partner in crime, someone to share those cozy nights in a player-built home with? Or maybe you just want the sweet, sweet benefits of a spouse in Skyrim? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting married in the vast and beautiful world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Whether you're playing the original version or the Special Edition, we've got you covered. So grab your Amulet of Mara, and let's get started!

Why Get Married in Skyrim?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about the why. Marriage in Skyrim isn't just for roleplaying purposes (though that's a perfectly valid reason!). There are some tangible benefits to tying the knot in Tamriel. First off, having a spouse means you have a built-in shopkeeper! Your partner will open a store, giving you a daily cut of the profits. Think of it as a passive income stream for your adventuring lifestyle. You can use this bonus to finance the best weapons and armor in Skyrim and stay geared up to defeat every foe the game throws your way. Additionally, sleeping in the same house as your spouse grants you the "Lover's Comfort" bonus, which gives you a 15% skill increase experience gain for 8 hours. That's a huge boost for leveling up your skills! And who doesn't love a home-cooked meal? Your spouse will regularly cook meals for you, providing a temporary buff to your stats. Plus, let's be honest, it's nice to have someone waiting for you at home after a long day of dragon slaying.

Finding Your Perfect Match: Eligible NPCs

Alright, so you're sold on the idea of marriage. Now comes the fun part: finding your soulmate (or at least someone who's willing to put up with your Dragonborn antics). Skyrim has a diverse cast of characters, and many of them are eligible for marriage. But how do you know who's on the market? The key is to look for characters who have unique dialogue options related to your interest in them. These are the NPCs that can become your spouses in the game. Don't worry; you won't be stuck marrying just any old villager. Skyrim offers a wide array of potential partners, from fierce warriors to cunning mages. You can even marry some of your companions! Just imagine adventuring through dungeons with your life partner by your side. When considering potential spouses, think about their skills and abilities. Marrying a skilled blacksmith might give you access to better equipment, while a powerful mage could offer valuable magical assistance. And of course, consider their personality and backstory. Do you want someone stoic and dependable, or someone with a bit of a wild side? The choice is yours!

The Amulet of Mara: Your Ticket to Wedded Bliss

Before you can pop the question, you'll need the Amulet of Mara. This magical necklace is the key to showing your romantic intentions in Skyrim. Think of it as the engagement ring of Tamriel. You can acquire the Amulet of Mara in a couple of ways. The most common method is to visit the Temple of Mara in Riften and speak with Maramal, a priest. He'll tell you about the goddess Mara, who represents love and compassion, and offer to sell you the amulet for 200 gold. It's a small price to pay for eternal happiness (or at least a sweet in-game bonus). Alternatively, you might find the Amulet of Mara randomly throughout Skyrim, either as loot in a dungeon or as a reward for completing a quest. Keep your eyes peeled while you're exploring! Once you have the amulet, equip it. This will signal to eligible NPCs that you're interested in marriage. When you talk to a potential spouse while wearing the Amulet of Mara, you'll unlock new dialogue options related to romance and commitment. This is your chance to woo your chosen partner and convince them that you're the Dragonborn of their dreams.

Popping the Question: Sealing the Deal

Now that you're wearing the Amulet of Mara, it's time to find your chosen NPC and initiate the marriage dialogue. This is where things get exciting! Approach the character you have your eye on and strike up a conversation. If they're eligible for marriage and you're wearing the amulet, you should see a new dialogue option along the lines of "Are you interested in me?" or "Is there anything I can do for you?". Select this option to gauge their interest. If the NPC is receptive, they'll respond with a line indicating their attraction to you. This is your cue to take things to the next level. A new dialogue option will appear, allowing you to propose marriage. It's usually something simple like "I am. How do you feel about me?" or “Will you marry me?”. Choose this option, and hold your breath! If your chosen partner accepts your proposal (and most will, as long as you've completed any necessary quests for them), they'll be overjoyed. They'll tell you to meet them at the Temple of Mara in Riften for the wedding ceremony. Congratulations, you're engaged!

The Big Day: Tying the Knot at the Temple of Mara

With the proposal accepted, the next step is to head to the Temple of Mara in Riften. This is where the magic happens, folks! The ceremony itself is a simple but touching affair. You, your betrothed, and any guests you've invited will gather in the temple before Maramal. Maramal will say some words about the goddess Mara and the importance of love and commitment. Then, he'll ask you and your partner if you're willing to be married. Say "I do!" (or the Skyrim equivalent), and you're officially married! Your spouse will move into your home (or you can choose to move into theirs), and you'll begin to enjoy the benefits of married life. Don't forget to give your partner a kiss! This is a special moment, after all. After the ceremony, you can start exploring married life in Skyrim. Talk to your spouse regularly, visit your shared home, and enjoy the companionship and bonuses that marriage provides.

Life After the Wedding: The Joys (and Challenges) of Married Life

So, you're married! What's next? Well, life as a married Dragonborn can be pretty sweet. As we mentioned earlier, your spouse will open a shop, providing you with a daily income. This is a great way to supplement your earnings from adventuring. Just talk to your partner, and they'll hand over your share of the profits. Your spouse will also cook meals for you, which provide temporary buffs to your stats. These meals can be incredibly helpful when facing tough enemies or exploring dangerous dungeons. And of course, there's the "Lover's Comfort" bonus for sleeping in the same house as your spouse, which gives you a 15% experience boost. But marriage isn't just about the benefits. It's also about companionship. Having a spouse in Skyrim can make the game feel more immersive and personal. You have someone to share your adventures with, someone to come home to after a long day of questing. You can even ask your spouse to become your follower, allowing them to accompany you on your travels. Just be careful not to get them killed! While marriage in Skyrim is generally a smooth process, there can be a few minor challenges. Sometimes, your spouse might get lost or stuck somewhere in the world. If this happens, try waiting for a few days, or fast traveling to a different location. Your spouse should eventually find their way back to you. And of course, there's always the risk of your spouse being kidnapped by bandits or other enemies. If this happens, you'll need to rescue them! But hey, a little adventure is good for a marriage, right?

Divorce in Skyrim: Is it Possible?

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. What happens if you decide that marriage isn't for you? Can you get a divorce in Skyrim? Unfortunately, the answer is no, not in the base game. There's no in-game mechanic for dissolving a marriage. Once you're married, you're married for good (or at least until one of you dies). However, there is a workaround for PC players. You can use console commands to remove your spouse from the game, effectively ending the marriage. But be warned: this can have unintended consequences, so use it with caution. For console players, your options are more limited. You can kill your spouse, but that's a pretty drastic measure, and it might make you feel a little guilty. The best advice is to choose your spouse carefully and make sure you're really committed before tying the knot.

Conclusion: Happily Ever After in Skyrim

So there you have it, adventurers! Everything you need to know about getting married in Skyrim. From finding the Amulet of Mara to saying "I do" at the Temple of Mara, marriage is a fun and rewarding experience in the game. Whether you're looking for companionship, in-game bonuses, or just a little bit of roleplaying fun, marriage can add a whole new dimension to your Skyrim adventures. So go forth, find your soulmate, and create your own happily ever after in the world of Tamriel! And who knows, maybe you'll even have some little Dragonborn running around someday (though sadly, Skyrim doesn't include child NPCs).

Happy adventuring, and happy marrying!