How Do You Marry In Skyrim Complete Marriage Guide And Requirements
Marriage in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim provides players with unique gameplay perks, companionship, and a place to call home. While the cold province of Skyrim seems full of conflict, romance remains a straightforward process once you know the required steps. Understanding how to unlock marriage allows you to build a fulfilling life beyond adventuring and dragon hunting.
Obtaining and Wearing the Amulet of Mara
To begin seeking a spouse in Skyrim, you must first obtain the Amulet of Mara, an enchanted item that signals your interest in marriage to potential partners. You can buy this amulet from Maramal in Riften for 200 gold after speaking with him about the temple's customs. Alternatively, you might find one randomly in dungeon chests or as loot throughout the world.
Equipping the amulet opens up new dialogue choices when speaking with eligible characters who like you. Once worn, NPCs who have positive disposition toward your character will notice the amulet and express their affection. This simple requirement acts as the universal key to courting partners across every hold.
Winning the Favor of Potential Candidates
Before an NPC considers marriage, you must earn their respect by completing a specific quest or favor for them. These tasks range from simple favors like harvesting wheat to completing major faction questlines or personal errands. Each successful task raises the character's disposition toward your Dragonborn.
Skyrim features dozens of marriageable candidates, including warriors, shopkeepers, and faction members of various races. Selecting the right spouse often depends on the specific benefits or skills they bring to your household. Once their quest is complete, wearing the Amulet of Mara will trigger the proposal option during conversation.
Arranging and Attending the Wedding Ceremony
After a successful proposal, you must travel to the Temple of Mara in Riften to arrange the wedding ceremony with Maramal. He will inform you that the ceremony will take place on the following day between dawn and dusk. It is crucial to arrive at the temple on time, as missing the event will offend your partner.
Guests including your current companions and friends will gather inside the temple to witness the union. Once you walk down the aisle and exchange vows, Maramal officializes the marriage and gifts you both unique wedding rings. Successful ceremonies permanently bond your character with your chosen spouse.
Unlocking Long-Term Benefits of Marriage
Marriage offers lasting practical perks that aid your adventures throughout Skyrim. Your spouse can open a small store that generates a daily income of 100 gold, which accumulates over time even when you are away. Additionally, eating a home-cooked meal prepared by your spouse provides valuable health and stamina regeneration boosts.
Sleeping in the same house as your spouse grants the Lover's Comfort bonus, which increases your skill learning rate by 15 percent for eight hours. You can also decide whether to move into your partner's existing home or have them relocate to one of your personal houses. These perks make marriage a highly rewarding system for long-term character progression.