Skyrim Marriage Guide: How To Get Hitched!

So, you've been adventuring across the snowy peaks and dragon-infested lands of Skyrim, and you've decided it's time to settle down? Maybe you've found a special someone – a fearless warrior, a wise mage, or a charming merchant – and you're ready to take the plunge into marital bliss. Well, you've come to the right place, my friend! This guide will walk you through every step of how to get married in Skyrim, from acquiring the necessary amulet to saying your vows and enjoying the benefits of wedded life. Whether you're playing the original Skyrim or the Special Edition, this guide has got you covered. So grab your gear, and let's get started!

First Things First: Finding the Amulet of Mara

Before you can even think about proposing to your beloved, you'll need the Amulet of Mara. This snazzy piece of jewelry is the key to unlocking the marriage options in Skyrim. Think of it as your in-game wedding ring. You can't just walk up to someone and ask for their hand in marriage without it (unless you're going for a very unconventional approach, which, let's be honest, probably won't work). So, where do you find this magical amulet?

There are a couple of ways to acquire the Amulet of Mara, but the most common and reliable method is to visit Riften, a city located in the southeastern corner of Skyrim. Riften is known for its Thieves Guild and its, shall we say, colorful characters. But don't let that deter you! You're here for love, after all. Once you're in Riften, head to the Temple of Mara. It's a beautiful building dedicated to the goddess of love, and it's hard to miss. Inside, you'll find a priest of Mara named Maramal. He's the guy you need to talk to.

Maramal will tell you all about Mara and the importance of love and marriage. Listen to what he has to say (it might even warm your cynical adventurer's heart a little). After your little chat, ask him about marriage in Skyrim. He'll explain the customs and traditions, and most importantly, he'll offer to sell you the Amulet of Mara for a cool 200 gold. Now, 200 gold might seem like a lot, especially if you've been spending all your hard-earned cash on potions and new swords, but trust me, it's a worthwhile investment. Think of it as the down payment on your happily ever after. Buy the amulet from Maramal, and you're one step closer to tying the knot.

Alternatively, you might stumble across an Amulet of Mara during your adventures. Sometimes, you can find them as random loot in chests or on defeated enemies. It's a less reliable method, but hey, if you're lucky, you might save yourself 200 gold! Keep your eyes peeled as you explore Skyrim; you never know when love (or at least the amulet that symbolizes it) might find you.

Finding Your Perfect Match: Eligible NPCs

Now that you've got your Amulet of Mara, it's time for the fun part: finding your spouse! Skyrim has a diverse cast of characters, and many of them are eligible for marriage. But before you start proposing to every Tom, Dick, and Dragonborn you meet, it's important to understand the criteria. Not everyone in Skyrim is looking to settle down, and some characters are simply not programmed to be marriageable. So, who are your options?

Eligible NPCs in Skyrim are generally characters who have a high disposition towards you. This means they like you, they trust you, and they're willing to help you. You can usually increase a character's disposition by completing quests for them or by doing other favors. If someone is friendly and helpful towards you, there's a good chance they're marriage material. However, there's one crucial requirement: they need to have a unique dialogue line indicating their interest in you. This dialogue usually involves them commenting on your kindness, your bravery, or your general awesomeness. It's a subtle hint, but it's a necessary one. Listen carefully to what people say to you; you might just find your soulmate!

Skyrim doesn't discriminate when it comes to love. You can marry characters of any race or gender, regardless of your own race or gender. So, whether you're a Nord warrior looking for a strong shieldmaiden, a High Elf mage seeking a scholarly partner, or a Khajiit rogue with a penchant for mysterious companions, you'll find someone who suits your tastes. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to explore your options and see who catches your eye. Some popular marriage candidates include:

• Aela the Huntress: A fierce and independent werewolf from the Companions in Whiterun. If you're looking for a strong and adventurous partner, Aela might be the one for you.
• Lydia: Your loyal housecarl, assigned to you by the Jarl of Whiterun. Lydia is a dependable and capable warrior, always ready to protect you and your home.
• Mjoll the Lioness: A Nord warrior living in Riften, known for her bravery and her hatred of the Thieves Guild. If you're looking for a partner with strong morals and a thirst for adventure, Mjoll is a great choice.
• Marcurio: A talented mage for hire in Riften. If you're a magic user yourself, or if you simply appreciate a witty and intelligent companion, Marcurio might be your perfect match.
• Ysolda: A Nord woman living in Whiterun, with ambitions of becoming a wealthy merchant. If you're looking for a partner with business savvy and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Ysolda could be the one for you.

These are just a few examples, of course. There are many other eligible NPCs in Skyrim, each with their own unique personality and backstory. The best way to find your perfect match is to explore the world, complete quests, and interact with different characters. You never know who you might meet!

Popping the Question: Equipping the Amulet and Proposing

Alright, you've found someone special, and you're ready to take the next step. You've got your Amulet of Mara, and you're feeling the butterflies in your stomach. It's time to pop the question! But how exactly do you propose in Skyrim? It's actually quite simple, but there are a few crucial steps you need to follow.

First, you need to equip the Amulet of Mara. This is the key to unlocking the marriage dialogue option. Open your inventory, navigate to the Apparel section, and equip the amulet just like you would any other piece of jewelry. Once you've got it on, the magic can happen. Now, approach the NPC you want to marry and start a conversation. If they're eligible and their disposition towards you is high enough, you should see a new dialogue option appear: