Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them

Highlights

  • Choose from 20 unique spouses in Skyrim, each with personal quests and locations to find them.
  • Complete quests and earn trust to marry characters like Uthgerd, Ria, Njada, and more for different benefits.
  • Marriage options vary from housekeepers like Gilfre to battle companions like Aela who specialize in various skills.

As a seasoned adventurer and explorer of Skyrim, I have encountered my fair share of intriguing characters throughout my journeys. Among them all, there are some that truly stand out for their uniqueness and depth of personality. One such individual is Shahvee, the Argonian woman I once had the pleasure of meeting at Windhelm Docks.


During your journey in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, it’s only natural that you’ll desire a long-term residence and companion. To achieve this, players need to obtain the Amulet of Mara. With this amulet, you can approach any character whom you’re attracted to for marriage, on the condition that you’ve finished their personal quests and gained their trust. However, deciding on the ideal candidate can be a challenge with 65 potential romantic interests to consider.

Fortunately, Skyrim offers an abundance of excellent potential spouses for players to marry. However, it is essential to master the steps to activate the marriage feature and locate these prospective partners in the game. While the marriage system in Skyrim may not be overly complex, players will appreciate having the chance to immerse themselves further in this role-playing experience.

How To Get Married In Skyrim

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them

In Skyrim, prior to tying the knot, players must conversate with Maramal. He’s a resident of Riften, often located at the Bee and Barb inn during the player’s initial visit to the city, or at the Temple of Mara. To engage in a discussion about matrimony in Skyrim with him, simply approach and inquire.

As a devoted fan, I’d advise you to acquire an Amulet of Mara and wear it before approaching a potential spouse for matrimony in the game. Keep in mind that this marriage dialogue option will become accessible once their personal quest has been successfully completed. Therefore, it’s essential to lend them a helping hand with whatever tasks they might be facing first.

23 Viola Giordano

An Imperial Citizen

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Candlehearth Hall, Windhelm
Quest That Was Always There (Tell on Revyn Sadri)

As a gamer, I can tell you that the Butcher of Windhelm is a truly terrifying character I’ve come across in my Skyrim adventures. This psychopathic killer has left a trail of fear and dread in his wake, and I, Viola Giordano, shudder at the very thought of him. However, hunting down this monster isn’t necessarily the only way for me to progress in the game. In fact, if players want to win my heart and hand in marriage, all they need to do is complete a simple quest. It’s as easy as pie! So, don’t worry about the Butcher too much – focus on making a good impression with me instead!

As a fan, I’d describe it like this: When I received the mission from Revyn Sadri to pilfer Viola’s cherished ring, I was left with a difficult decision. Betraying the quest giver and revealing the heist plan to Viola seemed unthinkable, but the potential rewards were enticing. However, if I went through with it, the Jarl would be alerted, leading to increased taxes for Revyn. With this knowledge, the Dragonborn could then propose to Viola, making my actions pave the way for a possible marriage proposal.

22 Jordis The Sword-Maiden

A Nord Warrior

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Proudspire Manor, Solitude
Quest Thane of Haafingar

In simpler terms, earning the title of a Thane in Skyrim is not a difficult feat. Players just need to finish specific tasks and support the local Jarl. Additionally, to claim the Thaneship of Haafingar, players must pay 25,000 gold for Proudspire Manor. This esteemed title comes with advantages when roaming around this region.

Players are given the opportunity to recruit a Housecarl named Jordis, who goes by the title of Sword-Maiden. She is not only an effective fighter in battles but also an exceptional wife for players to marry instantly if they have attained the rank of Thane and carry the Amulet of Mara with them.

21 Aeri

An Nord Lumberjack

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Anga’s Mill, The Pale
Quest Chop Wood/Delivery radiant quest

Although Aeri may appear to be an ordinary lumberjack, she has hidden depths. Some might argue that she is among the most exceptional wives in Skyrim. While it’s a stretch to call her the best, there are certainly plenty of reasons why she could make a fitting spouse for the Dragonborn.

As a survivor of the Great War, I can relate all too well to the plight of this woman who lost her father and was left with crippling debt. The weight of her loss must have been immense, not only in emotional terms but also financially. It’s heartbreaking to imagine the struggle she faced in trying to make ends meet while dealing with the grief that comes with such a devastating loss.

20 Gilfre

An Imperial Lumberjack

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Mixwater Mill, Eastmarch
Quest Chop Wood radiant quest

If you’re searching for a companion in Skyrim who prioritizes managing the household, look no further than Gilfre. As a lumberjack by profession and an Imperial woman, she will develop feelings for the Dragonborn once they complete her request for help with chopping wood.

To locate her, go to Mixwater Mill situated in the southern part of Windhelm, reachable by following the Eastmarch river’s course towards The Rift. Remember to bring a woodcutter’s axe for chopping wood and selling it to her to finish her task.

19 Uthgerd The Unbroken

A Nord Warrior

Location The Bannered Mare, Whiterun
Quest Win against her in a bar brawl

As a gamer, I can tell you from my experience that it’s not just the spouses in this game who are meant to maintain order at home. Sometimes, having a warrior like Uthgerd the Unbroken by your side in battle is infinitely more beneficial than having her at home. With her two-handed weapons and heavy armor specialization, she makes an excellent tank.

From the game’s beginning until she reaches level 30, she is an excellent pick due to her capabilities. She harmonizes effectively with characters that favor combat from afar, including mages and archers. To marry Uthgerd, make your way to The Bannered Mare in Whiterun. There, you’ll find her seated at the back. Defeat her in a fight, and she will gain newfound admiration for you as the Dragonborn.

18 Ria

An Imperial Warrior

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Quest Glory Of The Dead (Join the Companions first)

When Ria became a member of the Companions, she has been particularly friendly towards the Dragonborn due to being a recent addition to the group herself. Originating from the Imperial lands, Ria is an amiable woman with a solid character setup. In battles, she wields a steel sword taken from Eorlund’s renowned Skyforge. For the initial 25 levels of gameplay, Ria makes for a beneficial follower to accompany the player.

To get married to Ria, first advance in your journey and earn the title of Harbider. Then, request her hand in marriage. Ria serves various roles, such as following you, becoming a member of the Blades, or acting as a steward.

17 Njada Stonearm

A Nord Warrior

Location Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Quest Glory Of The Dead (Join the Companions first)

Njada isn’t known for her kindness towards newcomers. Upon the Dragonborn joining her faction, there appears to be a dislike or animosity from Njada. However, if the Dragonborn successfully completes the faction’s primary questline and earns the title of Harbinger, Njada may eventually grow fond of them.

Njada, similar to Ria, reaches her peak level of 25. Consequently, she becomes an excellent companion for that stage of the game. Once past this point, it’s more beneficial to keep her at home where she can manage a store or cook meals. Shield users will particularly enjoy having Njada around as it helps in enhancing their Block skill training.

16 Brelyna Maryon

A Dunmer Mystic

Location College of Winterhold, Winterhold
Quest Brelyna’s Practice (Join the College first)

If the Dragonborn has an affinity for mages, then Brelyna Maryon is an excellent pick. Although her magical abilities may appear disorganized at times, she holds significant potential as a Telvanni lineage bearer. To locate her, gamers must first join the College of Winterhold.

With a deep knowledge of magic and a knack for it that feels natural, Brelyna reaches level 30. She’s an excellent choice as a mage companion for those who prefer taking on tanking roles themselves. To win her over, finish her personal quest called “Brelyna’s Practice,” where you assist her in trying out a new enchantment. Once completed, interact with her using the Amulet of Mara.

15 Ysolda

A Nord Citizen

Location Marketplace, Whiterun
Quest Rare Gifts

Ysolda is a Nord merchant residing in Whiterun. She’s often present in the city’s marketplace early in the game. Being a trader, she may request your assistance in obtaining a Mammoth tusk for her as a favor. In return, she offers Speech training to help improve your skills.

If I’m a fan of Skyrim and I stumble upon a Mammoth tusk, finding Ysolda with it would unlock the opportunity for us to get married in this game. She’s mostly kept busy with her own small endeavors, like the Sleeping Tree Sap side quest, but she’s not an adventurer herself. So, if I’m looking for a quieter, more settled companion, Ysolda could be a great choice.

14 Sylgja

A Nord Miner

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Shor’s Stone, The Rift
Quest Special Delivery

In the secluded mining community of Shor’s Stone, nestled in the Rift and close to Riften, resides Sylgja, a humble Nord miner. The majority of her time is dedicated to laborious tasks at the Redbelly Mine, making her a frequent presence there when she isn’t tending to town affairs.

To wed Sylgja, players must first deliver her bag of correspondence to her family residing in Darkwater Crossing, a secluded hamlet northwest of Shor’s Stone. Once this task is accomplished, Sylgja becomes marriage-eligible, and as a token of gratitude, she bestows upon the player a random necklace as a reward. Regrettably, Sylgja cannot serve as a companion during gameplay.

13 Senna

A Breton Priest

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Temple of Dibella, Markarth
Quest The Heart Of Dibella

Senna serves as a devotee of Dibella in the southwestern city of Markarth. She is a Breton woman who dedicates most of her days to tending to the Temple of Dibella. In the quest “A Night to Remember” involving Sanguine, the Dragonborn may find Senna displeased upon waking up due to their drunken antics.

In Skyrim, players can wed Senna by finishing “The Heart of Dibella” quest. This can be accomplished by selecting a door at the temple or conversing with Degaine, a drunkard residing in Markarth. Regrettably, she cannot be obtained as a companion afterwards.

12 Rayya

A Redguard Warrior

Location Falkreath
Quest Become Thane Of Falkreath

In the land of Redguards, marriage prospects are scarce, yet Rayya stands out as an engaging character. Once you’re promoted to the rank of Thane in Falkreath, Rayya joins your household as a Housecarl. Equipped with a good set of skills and abilities, she particularly excels in One-Handed weaponry and Heavy Armor use.

In simpler terms, to earn the title of Thane in Falkreath, the Dragonborn needs to speak with the local Jarl and complete three assignments by assisting Falkreath’s residents. This is a relatively straightforward process given the city’s size. Additionally, Rayya makes an excellent companion and spouse for players seeking a robust ally, particularly those in need of a tank character. Furthermore, it’s important to note that Rayya is an essential character; she cannot be killed unless the Dragonborn delivers the killing blow.

11 Iona

A Nord Warrior

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Riften
Quest Become Thane Of Riften

Iona stands out among other Housecarls for her slightly larger health reservoir. Being a Nord, she is granted the role of devoted servant to the Dragonborn upon their acquisition of the Thane of Riften title. Once this position is earned, Iona can be found residing at Honeyside in Riften.

Iona is versatile and can function effectively as a sturdy melee warrior or an accurate ranged attacker due to her proficiency in Archery and One-Handed combat. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that she is not indispensable, meaning if she perishes in battle, she cannot be brought back.

10 Ghorza Gra-Bagol

An Orc Blacksmith

Location Blacksmith shop, Markarth
Quest Skilled Apprenticeship

As an Orc admirer myself, if you’re looking for a strong-willed and powerful Orc woman in Skyrim, then Ghorza could be your ideal match. You can find her in the city of Markath, located in the southwest region of Skyrim. She spends her days working diligently as a blacksmith. To win her heart, though, you’ll need to prove yourself worthy by assisting her in retrieving a valuable book. Good luck on your quest!

In the pursuit of becoming a proficient apprentice, she assigns the Dragonborn the task of retrieving the Last Scabbard of Akrash from Fort Sungard. However, this fort is currently under the control of the treacherous Forsworn. Upon bringing the coveted book back to her, she rewards the player with an enhancement in their Smithing skill and opens up access to any Orc Stronghold.

9 Taarie

An Altmer Tailor

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Solitude, Radiant Raiment
Quest Fit For A Jarl

In Skyrim’s world, Taarie might not be known for having an ideal personality. However, after getting married, she undergoes a significant transformation, becoming more affectionate and kind-hearted instead. Players can encounter Taarie at Radiant Raiment in Solitude, where she works as a tailor. To win her hand in marriage, the Dragonborn must assist Taarie with completing the “Fit For A Jarl” quest.

Taarie will ask the player to wear one of her outfits during their visit to the Blue Palace to persuade Jarl Elisif to order an outfit from her shop. What’s good about marrying her is that if the player has no house, they can use the Radiant Raiment as their temporary home.

8 Shahvee

An Argonian Citizen

Location Windhelm docks, Eastmarch
Quest Shahvee’s Amulet

If players have harbored a long-standing desire to encounter an Argonian female character, Shahvee could be just the one they’re looking for. She can be found at Windhelm Docks, busy with her work at a tanning rack, where players are welcome to engage with her and undertake a quest she offers. Unfortunately, Shahvee’s valuable amulet has been pilfered by bandits and is now hidden in an unspecified location within a related quest.

Following the defeat of the bandits and the retrieval of the Amulet of Zenithar, Shahmee becomes eligible for marriage, and as a token of gratitude, she offers the Dragonborn some instruction in Light Armor use and Lockpicking techniques if desired.

7 Borgakh The Steel Heart

An Orc Warrior

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Mor Khazgur, Haafingar
Quest Pay her dowry or persuade her

In the northwestern part of the game world Skyrim, not far from Solitude city and nestled in the mountains, lies one of numerous Orc fortresses. This specific one is called Mor Khazgur, ruled by Chief Larak. Players encountering it will meet Borgakh there. Upon introduction, she’ll express her longing for the freedom to explore and adventure like the Dragonborn.

If the players manage to convince her to join them, she may first need to be released from an arranged marriage through persuasion or a dowry payment. Only then would she be able to marry.

6 Camilla Valerius

An Imperial Pawnbroker

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location Riverwood
Quest The Golden Claw

In the small town of Riverwood, Camilla, a successful Imperial trader, is highly sought-after by the locals. Two men, Faendal and Sven, persistently argue over their affections for her. Even after the Dragonborn marries Camilla, Faendal continues to pay her visits. However, if the player still harbors feelings for Camilla, they should make their way to Riverwood and assist her brother Lucan in retrieving the stolen golden claw from Bleak Falls Barrow.

After the players have completed their mission and are back unharmed, they have the option to propose marriage to her. It’s handy that if a player doesn’t have a house, they can reside together at the shop in Riverwood.

5 Muiri

A Breton Apothecary

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location The Hag’s Cure, Markarth
Quest Mourning Never Comes (Join the Dark Brotherhood first)

As a gamer, I’ve found myself in a heart-wrenching situation. Muiri, a character I once sympathized with, has become the unfortunate victim of betrayal at the hands of her ex-friend and lover, Alain Dufont. This man, who was once thought to be trustworthy, has now left a bitter taste in my mouth and fuels an intense desire for vengeance.

Muiri requests that the Dragonborn eliminate Alain, and if they manage to take out his accomplice Nilsine as well, she’ll give them her ring as an extra incentive. Furthermore, by killing both Alain and Nilsine, Muiri will be open to entering into a marriage partnership in Skyrim.

4 Jenassa

A Dunmer Ranger

Skyrim: 23 Best Wives & How To Marry Them
Location The Drunken Huntsman, Whiterun
Quest Pay 500 gold to hire her as a follower

In the game “Skyrim,” not all companions need to be wicked and merciless, which sets Jenassa apart as a distinct spouse option. From the start of any interaction, it’s clear that she takes pleasure in violence and has an intense fascination with killing. Few companions are indifferent to the Dragonborn’s morally ambiguous decisions, such as attacking peacekeepers or ending innocent lives.

If the idea appeals to the player, they can check out The Dunken Huntsman Inn in Whiterun. There, they can recruit a woman as their companion with no need for prior quest completion. Later on, marriage is an option for the player.

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2024-07-29 18:55