Who are the Marriage Characters in Stardew Valley: Your Guide to Finding Love on the Farm

Stardew Valley isn't just about farming, mining, and fishing; it's also a charming life simulation game where you can build relationships, and yes, even get married! The question on many a new farmer's mind is: who can I marry in Stardew Valley? The game offers a diverse cast of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, each with their own unique personalities, backstories, and routines. Finding the right partner is a rewarding part of the Stardew Valley experience, and understanding who's available is the first step.

To be eligible for marriage in Stardew Valley, characters must be adults and not already married or in a committed relationship with another NPC. You'll need to build your friendship with them to a certain level and, in most cases, give them a bouquet to officially start a romantic relationship. Eventually, you'll need to purchase a special item to propose marriage.

The Eligible Bachelors

For those seeking a male partner, Stardew Valley offers a handful of charming individuals:

Alex

Location: Lives in his house on your farm's south side, near the river.
Personality: Alex is an athletic young man focused on his sports dreams. He can seem a bit boastful and self-centered at first, but he has a softer side and dreams of a stable future.
Loves: Complete Breakfast, Salmon Dinner, Coq au Vin, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Sweet Pea, Sunflower, Parsnip, Potato, Tomato, Corn.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

Elliott

Location: Resides in a cabin on the beach, south of Willy's Fish Shop.
Personality: Elliott is a flamboyant and romantic writer. He enjoys sophisticated conversation and has a flair for the dramatic.
Loves: Crab Cakes, Lobster Bisque, Tom Kha Soup, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Coconut, Artichoke, Sweet Pea, Tulip.
Dislikes: Pickles, Sugar, Seaweed.
Hates: Garbage, Sap, Stone.

Harvey

Location: Works as the town doctor and lives in his clinic above Pierre's General Store.
Personality: Harvey is a kind and intelligent doctor, though he can be a bit shy and sometimes doubts himself. He's looking for someone to share his life with.
Loves: Coffee, Pickles, Wine, Stardrop (a special item), Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Eggs, Fruit, Vegetables.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

Sam

Location: Lives with his parents, Jodi and Kent, and his younger brother, Vincent, in the house north of Pierre's General Store.
Personality: Sam is a laid-back musician and skater. He's a bit of a slacker but has a good heart and dreams of making it big with his band.
Loves: Cactus Fruit, Maple Bar, Pizza, Steak, Tigerseye, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Eggs, Fruit, Vegetables.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

Sebastian

Location: Lives in his parents' basement (Robin and Demetrius) in the mountains north of town.
Personality: Sebastian is an introverted and brooding programmer who enjoys spending time alone. He can be difficult to get to know but has a hidden passion.
Loves: Frozen Tear, Obsidian, Pumpkin Pie, Sashimi, Void Egg, Universal Loves (except Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Bat Wing, Cave Carrot, Quartz, Sap, Seaweed.
Dislikes: Sugar, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Stone.

Shane

Location: Lives with his aunt Marnie at Marnie's Ranch, south of your farm.
Personality: Shane is a troubled young man struggling with depression and alcoholism. He's gruff and often rude, but beneath the surface, he's a kind soul longing for connection.
Loves: Beer, Hot Pepper, Mead, Pepper Poppers, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Eggs.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

The Eligible Bachelorettes

For those seeking a female partner, Stardew Valley offers an equally charming selection:

Abigail

Location: Lives in the Carpenter's Shop with her parents, Pierre and Caroline.
Personality: Abigail is an adventurous and eccentric young woman who enjoys exploring caves, playing video games, and has a fascination with the supernatural.
Loves: Amethyst, Banana Pudding, Blackberry Cobbler, Chocolate Cake, Pufferfish, Pumpkin Pie, Sugar, Spicy Eel, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Corn, Taro Root.
Dislikes: Pickles, Sugar, Seaweed.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

Emily

Location: Lives in a house in town, north of the Saloon.
Personality: Emily is a free-spirited and kind-hearted woman who loves sewing, dancing, and crystals. She has a unique connection with nature and animals.
Loves: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Cloth, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Topaz, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Daffodil, Sunflower.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

Haley

Location: Lives in a house in town with her sister Emily.
Personality: Haley is initially materialistic and superficial, focused on her looks and photography. She can be quite rude, but she has a hidden depth and a desire for genuine connection.
Loves: Coconut, Fruit Salad, Pink Cake, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Daffodil, Sunflower, Sweet Pea, Tulip.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

Leah

Location: Lives in a secluded cabin in the woods, west of your farm.
Personality: Leah is a free-spirited artist who enjoys nature and creating sculptures. She's independent and values her connection to the natural world.
Loves: Goat Cheese, Vegetable Medley, Wine, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Morel, Salmonberry, Sweet Pea, Tulip.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

Maru

Location: Lives with her parents, Robin and Demetrius, and her brother Sebastian in the Carpenter's Shop.
Personality: Maru is an intelligent and curious inventor who dreams of becoming a doctor. She's kind and a bit quirky, often found tinkering with gadgets.
Loves: Battery Pack, Cauliflower, Cheese Cauliflower, Diamond, Gold Bar, Iridium Bar, Miner's Treat, Rhubarb Pie, Strawberry, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Eggs, Fruit, Vegetables.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

Penny

Location: Lives in a small trailer with her mother, Pam, near the Carpenter's Shop.
Personality: Penny is a kind and gentle soul who works as a tutor for the town's children. She's a bit shy and dreams of a more comfortable life and a chance to travel.
Loves: Diamond, Emerald, Poppy, Poppyseed Muffin, Red Plate, Roots Platter, Sandfish, Tom Kha Soup, Universal Loves (except Void Egg and Rabbit's Foot).
Likes: All Cooking, Flowers, Red Mushroom, Sugar.
Dislikes: Sugar, Seaweed, Pale Ale.
Hates: Garbage, Joja Cola, Sap.

The Marriage Process

Once you've identified your potential spouse, the journey to marriage involves several key steps:

Build Friendship: Talk to your chosen NPC daily and give them gifts they love or like. Each character has a unique set of preferences.
Reach 8 Hearts: As your friendship grows, you'll see heart icons above their heads. Reaching 8 hearts is crucial.
Give a Bouquet: After reaching 8 hearts with an NPC, you can purchase a bouquet from Pierre's General Store. Giving this bouquet officially starts a romantic relationship.
Continue Building Friendship: Keep gifting and talking to reach 10 hearts.
Purchase the Mermaid's Pendant: Once you have 10 hearts with your chosen partner and have upgraded your farmhouse at least once, you can buy the Mermaid's Pendant from the Old Mariner, who appears on the beach during rainy days.
Propose: Present the Mermaid's Pendant to your partner. If they accept, you'll be married in three days!

After marriage, your spouse will move in with you and help around the farm, offering companionship and unique dialogue. Each spouse has their own room added to your farmhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find the Old Mariner?

The Old Mariner is a mysterious character who only appears on the beach on rainy days. You'll find him standing near the bridge that leads to Ginger Island (which is blocked until later in the game, but he's accessible before then).

Why can't I marry certain characters?

You can only marry the 12 designated bachelors and bachelorettes. Characters who are already married, are younger, or are otherwise not explicitly marked as marriage candidates are not available for romantic relationships or marriage.

What happens if I give gifts to multiple people?

You can build friendships with many characters simultaneously. However, if you want to pursue a romantic relationship and potentially marry someone, you should focus your efforts on that specific NPC after giving them the bouquet.

Can I divorce my spouse in Stardew Valley?

Yes, you can divorce your spouse in Stardew Valley. This is done by visiting the Mayor's house and interacting with a specific shrine. Be aware that divorce has consequences and affects your spouse's relationship with you.