Skyrim: How to Get Married

You’ll want to know how to get married in Skyrim so you can reap the benefits of having a spouse. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about who and how to marry.

Why Get Married in Skyrim

There are a few reasons why getting married could be beneficial for you. To start, you will receive the Bond of Matrimony, which is a ring that grants you a 10% reduced cost for restoration spells. Additionally, you’ll be able to get the Lover’s Comfort resting bonus by sleeping in the same bed as your spouse. This bonus gives you an experience increase of 15% for eight hours. Lastly, if you own a home, your spouse will give you 100 gold once per day and a home-cooked meal which regenerates health, stamina, and magicka.

Who Can You Marry in Skyrim

No matter which race or gender your character is, Skyrim does not restrict your marriage options. In other words, a human male could easily marry a male orc. However, only certain people are open to marriage. You must get on your chosen partner’s good side—usually through quests—before they will be open to marrying you.

Best Women to Marry

Marrying any of the women below will give you the same benefits in terms of finances and the rest bonus. Who you choose to marry will likely come down just to personal preference, but there are a couple of factors you may want to consider. For example, some women come with their own property, which you would then own once you’re married. Additionally, some of these women are warriors while others are not. So, if you’re seeking a companion to aid you in battle, you may want to choose one of them. If you’re looking to keep someone around to train you in a certain area, you’ll want to marry someone with Trainer status who has your desired expertise.

Note that in the table below, DLC options are marked with an asterisk.

All Female Marriage Options

Best Men to Marry

The same logic for the best women to marry in Skyrim applies to men as well. Depending on which type of benefits you’re looking for, you’ll want a different partner. Check out the list below to see which Skyrim residents are available for marriage and any extra perks they might bring along with them.

Note that in the table below, DLC options are marked with an asterisk.

All Male Marriage Options

How to Get Married in Skyrim

There are just a few simple steps to get married in Skyrim, and they’re pretty similar no matter which partner you decide to pursue.

How to Get an Amulet of Mara

The first thing you will want to do to get married in Skyrim is complete whichever quest or task is required for your desired partner. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to get an Amulet of Mara. These can be obtained in several places, but the most efficient route for getting one is to go to Riften and talk to Maramal, a Redguard priest and member of the Cult of Mara. He will either be in the Bee and Barb or the Temple of Mara. Buy the amulet from him for 200 gold, and then ask him about marriage.

How to Propose

Luckily, you don’t need to do a whole lot to propose in Skyrim. Simply put on your amulet of Mara, go speak with the person you wish to marry (after you’ve completed their quest or favor), and you’ll be able to ask them to marry you.

How to Hold a Wedding

Speak again with Maramal, and he will set up your wedding. Note that once you speak with him, your wedding will take place within the next 24 hours. You should stay at the Temple and wait for periods at a time to ensure you don’t miss your wedding. If you miss it, you could end up standing up your spouse and miss the opportunity to marry them entirely.

How to Divorce/Remarry in Skyrim

Unfortunately, without mods, there is no way to get a divorce and remarry in Skyrim. If you are so sick of your spouse that you just can’t look at them anymore, your only option is to kill them off. But even after they’re dead, you will not be able to remarry.