Who is the Best to Marry in Skyrim? Your Ultimate Guide to Finding True Love (or a Useful Ally)
Alright, Dragonborn! So you've slain dragons, joined guilds, and pretty much saved the world from certain doom. But for many adventurers, one question remains: who should be the one standing beside you through thick and thin in the harsh lands of Skyrim? Marriage in Skyrim isn't just about companionship; it can also offer practical benefits, from a cozy home to a loyal follower. But with a whole province full of potential spouses, how do you choose the *best* one? Let's dive deep into who you should consider for your Skyrim nuptials.
Understanding Skyrim Marriage: More Than Just a Ring
Before we get into the specifics, let's clarify what marriage means in Skyrim. It's a simple ceremony conducted at the Temple of Mara in Riften after you've acquired an Amulet of Mara and spoken to the priest. Once married, your spouse will:
- Offer you a daily bonus of "Lover's Comfort," which grants you 15% faster skill progression for 8 hours when you sleep in the same bed.
- Sometimes give you a portion of gold they've earned (usually 100 gold).
- If they are a skilled warrior or mage, they can become your follower, allowing you to take them on adventures.
- Be able to live in your house if you own one.
The "best" spouse is subjective and depends on what you're looking for. Are you after the most powerful warrior? The most skilled mage? Someone with a fascinating backstory? Or maybe just someone who lives near a convenient vendor?
The Top Contenders: Who to Watch Out For
We've scoured the vast lands of Skyrim to bring you a curated list of the most popular and beneficial spouses. Let's break them down:
Warrior Spouses: Your Personal Bodyguards
For those who plan on wading into the thick of battle, a warrior spouse is invaluable. They can draw aggro, deal significant damage, and generally make your life a lot easier.
- Aela the Huntress (Companion Member): Found in Whiterun at Jorrvaskr. Aela is a werewolf and a fierce Nord warrior. She's a master archer and a formidable combatant. Her loyalty is unquestionable once married, and she'll happily join you on your adventures, proving to be an excellent damage dealer and tank. Her personal questline in the Companions is also one of the most engaging.
- Farkas (Companion Member): Also found at Jorrvaskr in Whiterun. Farkas is Aela's twin brother and a powerful Nord warrior. While not as skilled with a bow as Aela, he excels in melee combat and is a strong tank. He's a bit more straightforward than Aela but just as reliable in a fight.
- Ulfric Stormcloak (Leader of the Stormcloaks): If you side with the Stormcloaks and manage to complete their questline, you can marry Ulfric. He's a strong Nord warrior, though his availability as a follower might be limited by his political duties. However, the sheer power he wields in combat is undeniable.
Mage Spouses: Arcane Support and Utility
If you prefer to let your spells do the heavy lifting, or if you appreciate a spouse who can offer magical support, consider these arcane options.
- Phinis Gestor (College of Winterhold): Located in the College of Winterhold, Phinis is a Dunmer conjurer. He's a powerful mage who can summon creatures to fight alongside you and cast destructive spells. His conjuration skills are particularly useful for drawing enemies away from you.
- Colette Marence (Nightingale Hall, Dark Brotherhood): While technically a healer and a member of the healers' guild in Solitude, Colette has some decent magic skills and can be a reliable if less offensively potent, mage follower. Her access to healing spells makes her a valuable support.
Unique and Interesting Choices: For the Story-Driven Player
Beyond raw combat power, some spouses offer unique dialogue, interesting backstories, or are tied to important questlines.
- Jenassa (Drunken Huntsman, Whiterun): A mercenary you can hire initially, Jenassa is a Dunmer warrior with a mysterious past. She's a skilled dual-wielder and a capable fighter. Her independent nature and sharp wit make her a compelling character to marry, and she's available as a follower from the start if you have the gold.
- Muiri (Greenhouse, Markarth): Muiri is a Nord woman with a complicated history, often involved with the Dark Brotherhood's contracts. She's a skilled assassin and can be a decent follower, but her primary appeal is her backstory and the moral choices you make to even be able to marry her.
- Sylgja ( Shor's Stone): Sylgja is a miner in Shor's Stone. While not the most powerful fighter, she offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Skyrim citizens. If you help her with her quest, she becomes available for marriage. Her appeal is in her grounded nature and the satisfaction of helping a commoner.
How to Determine Who the "Best" Is for *You*
The "best" spouse truly depends on your playstyle and preferences:
- For Combat Prowess: Aela the Huntress or Farkas are top-tier choices due to their excellent combat skills and follower capabilities.
- For Magical Support: Phinis Gestor offers strong conjuration and destruction magic.
- For Roleplaying and Story: Muiri or Sylgja offer more unique narrative hooks.
- For Convenience: Consider spouses who live near a major city or a valuable vendor, as they might be easier to interact with. For example, Aela lives in Whiterun, a central hub.
FAQ: Your Burning Skyrim Marriage Questions Answered
How do I start the marriage process?
First, you need to acquire an Amulet of Mara. You can buy one from Maramal, a priest of Mara at the Temple of Mara in Riften. Once you have it, equip it and speak to any eligible NPC. If they respond positively and you've completed any necessary prerequisites (like a personal quest), they may express interest in marriage. Then, take them to Maramal in Riften to begin the ceremony.
Why can't I marry certain NPCs?
Not all NPCs in Skyrim are marriageable. Generally, you can only marry characters who are designated as such by the game's mechanics. This usually means they are not essential to a specific quest, are not children, and have a dialogue option related to marriage after you wear the Amulet of Mara.
Can my spouse live with me anywhere?
Yes, if you own a house, your spouse can live there with you. If you don't own a house, they will typically remain in their original residence but will still offer the "Lover's Comfort" buff when you sleep in the same bed, even if that bed is just a temporary camp you set up.
What happens if my spouse dies?
If your spouse dies, they are gone for good. Skyrim does not have a mechanic for resurrecting spouses, and you will be unable to remarry unless you are playing with mods. This makes choosing a spouse who can defend themselves or who isn't constantly exposed to extreme danger a wise decision for those who want to avoid heartbreak.
Ultimately, the best spouse in Skyrim is the one who complements your playstyle and enhances your adventuring experience. Whether you seek a powerful warrior, a wise mage, or a companion with a compelling story, Skyrim offers a love (or at least a very useful ally) for every Dragonborn. Happy hunting for your soulmate!
