Unlocking the Perks of Matrimony in Skyrim: Who to Say "I Do" To
So, you've slain dragons, mastered shouts, and plumbed the depths of ancient Nordic ruins. You're the Dragonborn, a legend in the making! But as you navigate the vast and often dangerous world of Skyrim, have you considered the strategic advantage of a spouse? Marriage in Skyrim isn't just for companionship; it's a gameplay mechanic that can offer tangible benefits, from extra gold to unique buffs. The question on every aspiring Dragonborn's mind becomes: Who is the most beneficial person to marry in Skyrim?
While the "most beneficial" can be subjective and depend on your playstyle, we're going to break down the top contenders and the specific advantages they bring to your adventuring life. Let's dive deep into the matrimonial market of Skyrim!
The Core Benefits of Marriage in Skyrim
Before we crown a champion, let's understand what marriage actually *does* for you:- Daily Lover's Comfort Buff: This is the most consistent and significant benefit. Once married, you'll receive the "Lover's Comfort" effect after sleeping in the same bed as your spouse. This grants a 15% boost to experience gain for all skills for 8 in-game hours. This is invaluable for leveling up faster, especially early on.
- Spouse as a Follower: Most spouses can also be recruited as followers, accompanying you on your quests. They come with their own combat skills and can assist you in battles.
- Merchant Services: Your spouse will run a store out of your home, allowing you to sell items to them, usually for a small amount of gold.
- Home Life: You can build a home with your spouse, which can include children and the ability to ask your spouse to move to one of your homesteads if you have Hearthfire DLC.
Top Contenders for "Most Beneficial" Spouse
Now, let's get down to brass tacks. Which individuals offer the best combination of accessibility, useful skills, and potentially unique dialogue or interactions?1. Amulet Wearers & Accessible Options: The Early Game Powerhouses
For players looking for an immediate advantage without extensive questing, certain characters stand out:- Farkas (Companion): A member of the Companions, Farkas is a formidable warrior. He's relatively easy to get close to if you join the Companions, and his combat prowess makes him a great follower. He also wears an Amulet of Mara.
- Vilkas (Companion): Farkas's twin brother, also a member of the Companions. Similar to Farkas, he's a skilled warrior and a good follower. He also wears an Amulet of Mara.
- Aela the Huntress (Companion): Another Companion, Aela is an archer and a werewolf. Her archery skills can be a significant asset in ranged combat. She wears an Amulet of Mara.
- Lydia (Whiterun Housecarl): Perhaps the most well-known follower, Lydia is given to you after becoming Thane of Whiterun. She's a heavy armor-wearing warrior, making her a solid tank. She's also one of the first potential spouses many players encounter, and she will wear an Amulet of Mara once you ask her.
- Jenassa (Whiterun Mercenary): A Dunmer mercenary found in the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun. She's a skilled warrior and can be hired. She's also a potential spouse and wears an Amulet of Mara.
Why they are beneficial: These characters are often among the first you can encounter and build relationships with. Their combat skills are directly useful in fighting enemies, and they're readily available for the Lover's Comfort buff. The Companion members are particularly good as they are excellent fighters and you'll likely be interacting with them anyway.
2. The Skilled Combatants: For When the Fights Get Tougher
If you're prioritizing a spouse who can truly hold their own in a fight, consider these:- Ulfric Stormcloak (Stormcloak General): While his political allegiances are divisive, Ulfric is a powerful warrior. However, marrying him is tied to the Civil War questline and may not be an option for all players.
- General Tullius (Imperial General): The Imperial counterpart to Ulfric. Similar to Ulfric, his availability is tied to the Civil War. He's also a skilled fighter.
- Kodlak Whitemane (Companion Leader): The wise and respected leader of the Companions. While older, he's still a capable warrior and his wisdom adds a certain gravitas to the role. He wears an Amulet of Mara.
Why they are beneficial: These individuals are seasoned fighters with high combat skills. Having them as a follower means they can take on tougher enemies and provide significant support in difficult battles.
3. The "Unique" Options: For Those Seeking Something Different
Some spouses offer more than just combat prowess:- Muiri (Markarth Assassin): A member of the Dark Brotherhood. If you choose to do the Dark Brotherhood questline, Muiri can become available. She's an assassin, so she's good with daggers and stealth.
- Nazir (Dark Brotherhood): Another member of the Dark Brotherhood, Nazir is a Redguard assassin. He's a proficient fighter and a good potential follower.
- Erandur (Dawnstar Priest): A priest of Mara in Dawnstar. He's a healer and a mage, making him a supportive follower who can mend your wounds.
Why they are beneficial: These characters offer specialized skills. Muiri and Nazir bring assassination and stealth, while Erandur offers healing and magical support, which can be incredibly useful for certain playstyles or when facing enemies that rely heavily on magic or poison.
How to Get Married in Skyrim
The process of getting married in Skyrim is straightforward:- Obtain an Amulet of Mara: You can purchase one from Maramal in Riften or find them as loot.
- Talk to your potential spouse: Equip the Amulet of Mara and speak to the person you wish to marry. If they are marriageable, they will respond positively to the amulet.
- Attend the Ceremony: If they accept, a wedding ceremony will be scheduled for the next day at the Temple of Mara in Riften.
- Invite them to live with you: After the ceremony, you can ask your spouse where they would like to live. They can move into one of your existing homes or a new one you build.
FAQ: Your Burning Marriage Questions Answered
How do I get the Lover's Comfort buff?
You receive the Lover's Comfort buff by sleeping in the same bed as your spouse. This buff provides a 15% boost to experience gain for all skills for 8 in-game hours. It's essential for faster leveling!
Can my spouse be a follower?
Yes, most spouses can be recruited as followers after marriage. You'll need to ask them to join you. They will then accompany you on your adventures, assist in combat, and can even carry some of your items.
Why is Farkas a good marriage option?
Farkas is a member of the Companions and a skilled warrior. He's relatively easy to build a relationship with if you join the Companions. His combat abilities make him a strong follower, and he provides the consistent Lover's Comfort buff.
What if I want to divorce or remarry?
Skyrim does not have a divorce mechanic. If you wish to remarry, your current spouse must be dead. Once they are deceased, you can then pursue a new marriage with another eligible NPC.
Are there any spouses that are not beneficial?
While all spouses offer the Lover's Comfort buff, some might be less beneficial if their combat skills don't align with your playstyle or if they are difficult to access. For example, marrying someone who is not a skilled fighter might feel less impactful if you're looking for combat assistance.
Conclusion: The Best Spouse is the One for You
Ultimately, the "most beneficial" person to marry in Skyrim is a blend of practical advantages and personal preference. For raw combat power and accessibility, companions like Farkas, Vilkas, or Aela are excellent choices. For early-game convenience, Lydia is a solid pick. If you're leaning into specific questlines like the Dark Brotherhood or seeking magical support, characters like Muiri or Erandur might be your ideal match. Remember, the Lover's Comfort buff is a universal benefit, so even a less combat-oriented spouse can contribute significantly to your progression. Choose wisely, Dragonborn, and may your matrimonial ventures in Skyrim be as legendary as your dragon-slaying exploits!
