Finding love in Skyrim might be easier than in real life, thanks to the Skyrim Marriage Quest. Your journey begins by acquiring the Amulet of Mara, a special necklace sold by Maramal in Riften. Completing the Skyrim marriage quest allows you to marry almost any eligible NPC with whom you have a strong relationship. Following these steps makes finding your perfect match in this massive RPG one of the most rewarding aspects of playing Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Skyrim Marriage Quest: Finding Your Perfect Match (Easy Guide!)
This guide walks you through the Skyrim marriage quest, focusing on how to initiate it, who the eligible partners are, and how to complete the process smoothly. Our aim is to make finding your perfect in-game spouse as easy as possible!
Understanding the Skyrim Marriage System
Before diving into the quest itself, let’s understand the basics of how marriage works in Skyrim. It’s a straightforward system but knowing the key elements avoids potential frustrations.
What You Need to Get Married
-
Amulet of Mara: This is your wedding ring equivalent in Skyrim. It’s essential for signaling your availability for marriage.
-
Gold: While the marriage ceremony itself is free, you’ll want some gold to purchase the Amulet of Mara and possibly buy a house for you and your spouse to live in.
-
A Suitable Partner: Not everyone in Skyrim is marriageable. You’ll need to find someone who is interested.
Benefits of Marriage in Skyrim
Marriage in Skyrim isn’t just for roleplaying; it offers tangible in-game benefits.
- Shared Living Space: You and your spouse can live together in one of your homes.
- Spousal Perks: Your spouse can cook you a home-cooked meal once per day that gives you a small experience bonus, and will also open up a shop where you can buy and sell items with them.
- "Lover’s Comfort" Bonus: Sleeping in the same house as your spouse grants the "Lover’s Comfort" bonus, temporarily boosting your skill gain.
Initiating the Skyrim Marriage Quest: The Heart of Skyrim
The "Marriage Quest" is officially started by visiting Riften and speaking to Maramal.
Finding Maramal in Riften
-
Location: Maramal can usually be found in the Temple of Mara or The Bee and Barb tavern in Riften.
-
Conversation: Talk to Maramal about marriage. He will explain the significance of Mara and the requirements for marriage in Skyrim.
Purchasing the Amulet of Mara
-
How to Acquire: After speaking with Maramal, purchase the Amulet of Mara from him for 200 gold. Alternatively, you might find one randomly during your adventures.
-
Wearing the Amulet: Equip the Amulet of Mara. This signals to eligible NPCs that you are looking to get married.
Finding Eligible Partners: Who Can You Marry?
Not every character in Skyrim is marriageable. The following criteria generally determine eligibility.
General Requirements for Marriageable NPCs:
-
High Disposition: You need to have a positive relationship with the NPC. Completing quests or favors for them usually raises their disposition.
-
No Existing Obligations: The NPC can’t already be married or have strong allegiances that would prevent them from marrying you.
-
Specific Criteria: Some NPCs have unique requirements before they’ll consider marriage, such as completing specific questlines.
List of Popular Marriage Candidates (Examples)
| NPC Name | Location | Requirements | Skills/Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aela the Huntress | Jorrvaskr, Whiterun | Join the Companions and complete the Companions questline. | Archery, Companion, Essential NPC (until marriage) |
| Ysolda | Whiterun | Bring her a Mammoth Tusk. | Commerce, Can live in Whiterun |
| Lydia | Whiterun | Become Thane of Whiterun. | Housecarl, Follower |
| Marcurio | The Bee and Barb, Riften | Hire him as a follower (500 gold). | Destruction magic. |
Note: This table provides a few examples. Many other NPCs are eligible for marriage.
How to Identify Marriageable NPCs:
- Dialogue Options: While wearing the Amulet of Mara, talk to NPCs you’ve helped. If they are marriageable, a dialogue option such as "Are you interested in me?" or "Is there anything else I can do for you?" (leading to a marriage proposal) will appear.
- Wiki Lists: Consult a Skyrim wiki for a comprehensive list of all marriageable NPCs.
The Marriage Ceremony: Tying the Knot
Once you’ve found a suitable partner and proposed, the marriage ceremony will take place in the Temple of Mara in Riften.
Attending the Ceremony
-
Timing: After proposing, you will be asked to attend the wedding the next day. You must arrive on time (between dawn and dusk).
-
Location: Return to the Temple of Mara in Riften.
What Happens During the Ceremony
-
Maramal’s Speech: Maramal will officiate the ceremony, giving a short speech about the virtues of Mara.
-
Declaration: You and your spouse will declare your love for each other.
-
Post-Ceremony: After the ceremony, your spouse will be considered your partner, and you can choose where to live together.
What Happens if You Miss the Ceremony
If you miss your wedding ceremony, your spouse will be angry and reject you. You can try again, but it may require improving your relationship with them again.
Skyrim Marriage Quest FAQs: Find Your Perfect Match
Got questions about finding love in Skyrim? This FAQ section clarifies common points about the Skyrim marriage quest and how to find your perfect in-game spouse.
How do I start the Skyrim marriage quest?
To begin the Skyrim marriage quest, you first need to obtain an Amulet of Mara. You can purchase one from Maramel in Riften’s Temple of Mara after completing a short quest for him regarding Mara’s teachings on love. Once you have the amulet, wear it and speak to eligible NPCs.
Who are some of the easiest marriage candidates in Skyrim?
Several readily available and easy-to-marry characters include Ysolda in Whiterun (after bringing her a Mammoth Tusk) and Aela the Huntress in Jorrvaskr (after completing the Companions questline). These characters typically don’t require lengthy questlines beyond their initial interactions. This is helpful when players want to focus on the Skyrim marriage quest quickly.
What benefits do I get from marrying someone in Skyrim?
Marriage in Skyrim provides several benefits. You’ll receive the Lover’s Comfort bonus which grants a 15% skill increase boost for 8 hours after sleeping near your spouse. Plus, your spouse will cook one meal a day. Finally, you can receive a cut of their earnings if they run a shop or if you have them as a follower.
Can I remarry if my spouse dies in Skyrim?
No, unfortunately, death is permanent in Skyrim unless you reload a previous save. There is no way to divorce or remarry a new spouse if your partner meets an untimely end. So, it’s important to protect your spouse from danger, especially if they are a follower. Therefore, it’s best to make sure that you find a spouse with high stats that can assist you along your Skyrim marriage quest.
And there you have it! Hopefully, you’re now well on your way to finding your soulmate through the Skyrim marriage quest. Go forth, adventurer, and may your in-game marriage be a happy one!