Skyrim Marriage Guide: Find Love & Tie The Knot!

Hey fellow adventurers! Ever wondered how to find true love (or at least a spouse who can carry your burdens) in the vast and frosty realm of Skyrim? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting married in Skyrim, from finding the right partner to saying "I do" (or whatever the Dragonborn equivalent is). We'll cover the Amulet of Mara, eligible NPCs, and all the benefits that come with having a spouse in this epic RPG. So, grab your sweetroll, and let's get started!

Understanding Marriage in Skyrim

Marriage in Skyrim isn't just a cute side quest; it's a meaningful aspect of the game that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Think of it as more than just a roleplaying element; it's a strategic move! You gain a companion, a business partner, and a warm place to call home. But before you start picturing your dream wedding, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how marriage works in Skyrim.

The Perks of Marital Bliss

First off, let's talk about the sweet benefits of tying the knot in Skyrim:

• A Companion for Life (or Until Death Do You Part): Your spouse can become your follower, aiding you in battles and carrying your extra loot. Talk about a supportive partner!
• Shared Income: Your spouse will open a shop, providing you with a daily cut of the profits. Cha-ching! Who doesn't love some extra gold?
• Home-Cooked Meals: Forget those bland rations; your spouse will cook you a daily meal that provides a temporary buff. A happy tummy makes for a happy Dragonborn!
• A Place to Call Home: You can move into your spouse's house or have them move into one of your properties. It's always nice to have a cozy place to return to after a long day of dragon slaying.
• The Bond of Matrimony Bonus: Sleeping in the same house as your spouse grants you the "Well Rested" bonus, which increases your skill learning rate. Talk about relationship goals!

The Amulet of Mara: Your Ticket to the Altar

Now that you're dreaming of marital bliss, you need the right tools for the job. Enter the Amulet of Mara, the key to unlocking romance in Skyrim. This special amulet signals your availability for marriage to eligible NPCs. Think of it as your in-game dating profile.

• Where to Find the Amulet: The easiest way to acquire the Amulet of Mara is by speaking to Maramal in Riften. You'll usually find him at the Temple of Mara or the Bee and Barb tavern. He'll explain the significance of marriage in Skyrim and offer to sell you the amulet for 200 gold. Bargain!
• Wearing the Amulet: Once you have the amulet, equip it! This lets eligible NPCs know you're on the market. It's like wearing a giant neon sign that says, "Swipe Right!"

Finding Your Perfect Match: Eligible NPCs

Okay, you've got the amulet, you're looking sharp, but who can you actually marry in Skyrim? The game offers a diverse cast of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, each with their own unique backgrounds and skills. Finding the right person is key, so let's explore some of your options.

A Diverse Pool of Potential Partners

Skyrim isn't picky when it comes to love. You can marry characters from various races, backgrounds, and professions. Whether you're into a fierce warrior, a wise mage, or a cunning rogue, there's someone for everyone. It's like a fantasy dating app with a high success rate! Some popular marriage candidates include:

• Aela the Huntress (Nord): A skilled archer and member of the Companions in Whiterun. If you're looking for a strong, independent woman who can handle herself in a fight, Aela is a great choice.
• Lydia (Nord): Your loyal housecarl in Whiterun. Lydia is always there to carry your burdens (literally and figuratively) and is a reliable companion.
• Mjoll the Lioness (Nord): A fearless warrior in Riften who is always ready for adventure. Mjoll is a powerful ally and a kind-hearted soul.
• Ysolda (Nord): A resourceful merchant in Whiterun with dreams of running her own trading empire. Ysolda is ambitious and business-savvy.
• Marcurio (Imperial): A skilled mage for hire in Riften. If you need some magical firepower in your life, Marcurio is your guy.
• Brelyna Maryon (Dunmer): A talented mage studying at the College of Winterhold. Brelyna is intelligent and adventurous.

How to Woo Your Beloved

So, you've spotted someone who catches your eye. Now what? Skyrim's marriage system is relatively straightforward, but there are a few steps you need to take to win your beloved's heart. It's all about building rapport and proving your worth. Think of it as a mini-quest line for love.

1. Complete Their Quest (if applicable): Many marriage candidates have personal quests that you'll need to complete before they'll consider your proposal. This is their way of testing your commitment and seeing if you're a good match.
2. Increase Their Disposition Towards You: This basically means making them like you. You can do this by helping them with tasks, giving them gifts, or simply being a good friend. Charm them with your Dragonborn charisma!
3. Wear the Amulet of Mara: With the amulet equipped, talk to the NPC you're interested in. If their disposition towards you is high enough, they'll comment on the amulet, and a new dialogue option will appear.
4. Propose Marriage: Select the dialogue option that indicates your interest in marriage. If they reciprocate your feelings, they'll agree to marry you!

Tying the Knot: The Wedding Ceremony

Congratulations! You've found your soulmate in Skyrim! Now it's time to plan the wedding. The ceremony takes place at the Temple of Mara in Riften, the heart of matrimonial bliss in Skyrim. Don't be late!

The Big Day

• Speak to Maramal: After your proposal is accepted, Maramal will set the wedding date. He'll tell you to return to the Temple of Mara in 24 in-game hours for the ceremony. Set a reminder on your Pip-Boy, just kidding! But seriously, don't miss it.
• Attend the Ceremony: Arrive at the Temple of Mara on time. Your spouse-to-be, along with a few guests, will be waiting for you. Dress to impress, Dragonborn! (Or at least wear something that isn't covered in dragon scales.)
• The Vows: Maramal will conduct the ceremony, and you'll exchange vows with your partner. It's a simple but heartfelt moment.
• The Ring: Sadly, there are no rings involved in the Skyrim wedding ceremony. But the love is real, we promise!
• Post-Wedding Bliss: After the ceremony, you and your spouse are officially married! You can now decide where to live and start enjoying the benefits of married life.

What Happens If You Miss Your Wedding?

Life in Skyrim can be unpredictable. Dragons attack, bandits raid, and sometimes you just forget about your own wedding. But what happens if you miss the ceremony? Don't panic! Your fiancé(e) will be upset, but you'll get a second chance.

• Damage Control: Speak to your partner and apologize profusely. They'll give you another chance to set a new wedding date. Don't let them down again!

Life After Marriage: Building a Home Together

So, you're married! Now what? Marriage in Skyrim isn't just about the ceremony; it's about building a life together. You'll need to decide where to live, how to manage your shared finances, and how to support each other on your adventures. It's like a real marriage, but with more dragons.

Choosing a Home

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is where to live. You have a few options:

• Move into Your Spouse's Home: If your spouse already owns a house, you can move in with them. This is a convenient option if you like their place and don't want to go through the hassle of buying or building a new home.
• Have Your Spouse Move into Your Home: If you own a house, you can ask your spouse to move in with you. This is a good option if you've already invested time and money into furnishing your dream home.
• Build a Hearthfire Home: If you own land through the Hearthfire DLC, you can build your own house from the ground up. This allows you to customize your home to your exact specifications. It's like playing The Sims, but in Skyrim!

Managing Finances

Your spouse will open a shop after the wedding, generating a daily income of 100 gold. You can collect this income by speaking to your spouse. It's a nice little bonus that can help you fund your adventures. Every little bit helps when you're buying potions and arrows!

Adventure Together

Your spouse can become your follower, accompanying you on your quests and battles. This is a huge advantage, as they can provide valuable support in combat and carry your burdens. Plus, it's always nice to have someone to share the adventure with.

Divorce and Death: The Harsh Realities of Skyrim

Okay, let's talk about the less pleasant aspects of marriage in Skyrim. While the game offers a romantic ideal, it also acknowledges the harsh realities of life in a dangerous world. Divorce isn't an option in Skyrim, so choose wisely! But death, unfortunately, is a possibility.

No Divorce, Only Death

Once you're married in Skyrim, you're in it for the long haul. There's no way to legally divorce your spouse. So, make sure you really like them before you say "I do!"

The Loss of a Spouse

If your spouse dies (either in combat or through other means), they're gone for good. This can be a heartbreaking experience, especially if you've grown attached to your partner. You can remarry after your spouse's death, but it's always a somber occasion.

Tips for a Successful Marriage in Skyrim

To wrap things up, here are a few tips for making the most of your marriage in Skyrim:

• Choose Wisely: Take your time to find a spouse who complements your character and playstyle.
• Communicate: Talk to your spouse regularly to maintain a strong relationship.
• Protect Your Partner: Keep your spouse safe during your adventures.
• Enjoy the Benefits: Take advantage of the income, meals, and companionship that marriage provides.

Conclusion: Happily Ever After in Skyrim

Marriage in Skyrim is a fantastic way to add depth and richness to your gameplay experience. It's more than just a side quest; it's a way to build connections, gain valuable benefits, and create your own story in the vast world of Skyrim. So, go out there, find your true love, and start your happily ever after! Happy adventuring, and happy marrying!