Skyrim Marriage Guide 2025: Find the Best Spouses, Complete Quests & Unlock Benefits

If you’ve spent hours exploring the wilds of Skyrim, battling dragons, and mastering the Thu’um, you’ve probably wondered: “Who can I settle down with in this world?” Well, buckle up, because Skyrim’s marriage system is more than just a role-playing perk—it’s a strategic choice that can enhance your gameplay, from combat companions to home management. Today, I’m taking you through the ultimate Skyrim marriage guide, showing you how to marry the best spouses, where to find them, and the quests you must complete.

How to Get Married in Skyrim: Your First Steps

Before you can walk down the aisle in Skyrim, you need to understand the essentials. The key item is the Amulet of Mara, which signals to the world—and potential spouses—that you’re ready for love. But there’s a little more to it than just equipping jewelry.

1. Speak to Maramal in Riften – You’ll find him giving sermons at the Bee and Barb Inn, or at the Temple of Mara. Ask him about marriage to unlock the dialogue option. Trust me, this is your gateway to romance!
2. Obtain and equip the Amulet of Mara – You can buy this from Maramal or find it during your travels. Only with the amulet equipped will your potential spouse acknowledge your interest.
3. Complete the personal quest of your chosen spouse – Every eligible NPC has a small or large quest tied to them. Whether it’s helping them find lost items, defeating enemies, or assisting in local politics, you’ll need to earn their trust.

This isn’t just a ceremonial step—it’s your chance to explore deeper storylines and unlock unique benefits for your adventures.

Meet the Best Wives in Skyrim: Top Picks and Where to Find Them

Skyrim gives you over 20 unique marriage options, each offering different advantages. I’m going to walk you through the top half of this list, including warriors, mages, and everyday citizens, so you can make an informed choice.

1. Aela the Huntress – The Legendary Werewolf Warrior

• Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
• Quest: Glory of the Dead (Complete the Companions questline)
• Why She’s Amazing: If you’re looking for a spouse who can fight alongside you in any battle, Aela is unbeatable. As a skilled archer and werewolf, she thrives in both ranged and melee combat. What’s more, she’s remarkably tolerant of morally grey choices—you can roam the world, fight bandits, or even dabble in thievery, and she won’t bat an eye.

Pro Tip: Complete the Silver Hand storyline to fully unlock her marriage dialogue. Trust me, having Aela at your side makes leveling combat skills a breeze.

2. Lydia – Your Iconic Housecarl

• Location: Whiterun (after the first dragon encounter)
• Quest: Become Thane of Whiterun
• Why She’s Amazing: Lydia is the quintessential companion for early-game players. She’s your Housecarl, loyal, and available almost immediately after becoming Thane. While she’s not the flashiest choice, she is dependable in combat, capable of taking hits while you focus on strategy or magic.

Pro Tip: Marry Lydia early to enjoy her home-cooked meals, which provide minor stat boosts, and have her manage your inventory during long dungeon runs.

3. Mjoll the Lioness – The Justice-Seeking Warrior

• Location: Riften, usually near the Bee and Barb Inn
• Quest: Grimsever’s Return
• Why She’s Amazing: Mjoll is perfect for players who want a principled partner. She dislikes corruption and criminal organizations, making her ideal if you’re morally upright—or just want a spouse with a clear sense of justice. She’s strong in combat and comes with a unique sword, Grimsever, which you’ll need to retrieve from the Dwarven ruin Mzinchaleft.

Pro Tip: You must be at least level 14 and gain her trust before she offers the marriage quest. Completing tasks in Riften to help the town boosts your chances quickly.

4. Jenassa – The Ruthless Dunmer Ranger

• Location: The Drunken Huntsman, Whiterun
• Quest: No personal quest required (hire her for 500 gold)
• Why She’s Amazing: Jenassa is not your typical spouse. She thrives in morally grey situations and doesn’t shy away from ruthless tactics. She’s ideal if you prefer a partner who can handle any combat scenario without hesitation.

Pro Tip: Hiring her as a follower first is essential. Afterward, she becomes available for marriage immediately, letting you skip complex questlines.

5. Muiri – The Dark Brotherhood Assassin

• Location: The Hag’s Cure, Markarth
• Quest: Mourning Never Comes (Requires joining the Dark Brotherhood)
• Why She’s Amazing: Muiri brings intrigue and danger to your marriage. After joining the Dark Brotherhood and completing her quest to eliminate Alain Dufont (and optionally Nilsine), she’s available as a spouse. She’s perfect for players who enjoy blending stealth and assassination into their gameplay.

Pro Tip: This spouse is for experienced players—her storyline intertwines with one of Skyrim’s darker questlines, offering both a challenge and unique rewards.

6. Camilla Valerius – The Early-Game Romantic

• Location: Riverwood
• Quest: The Golden Claw
• Why She’s Amazing: Camilla is ideal for players starting their first playthrough. Helping her brother retrieve the stolen Golden Claw is straightforward, and once completed, she becomes a loving spouse. You can even live with her in Riverwood if you don’t yet own a house, which is perfect for early-game roleplay.

Pro Tip: She offers no combat skills, but the domestic benefits, like home-cooked meals and a warm house, are perfect for adventurers just beginning their journey.

I’ve now covered the first six of the top Skyrim spouses, blending practical advice, location details, and quest requirements. Each section is designed to be actionable and informative for players at different stages of the game.

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7. Borgakh the Steel Heart – The Orc Warrior with a Strong Will

• Location: Mor Khazgur, Haafingar
• Quest: Persuade her or pay her dowry
• Why She’s Amazing: If raw strength and loyalty are what you’re after, Borgakh is your pick. She starts off hesitant, protective of her freedom, but once persuaded—or her dowry is paid—she becomes an adventurous partner ready to join you in battle.

Pro Tip: Borgakh is ideal for players who love Orcs’ combat prowess. Her skills make her an excellent tank, and she thrives in any party setup.

8. Shahvee – The Argonian Companion

• Location: Windhelm Docks, Eastmarch
• Quest: Shahvee’s Amulet
• Why She’s Amazing: Shahvee offers a fresh twist—she’s an Argonian with unique racial abilities. Her quest involves retrieving her stolen amulet from bandits, which adds a small but satisfying adventure before marriage.

Pro Tip: Completing her quest gives you a spouse skilled in light armor and lockpicking, making her invaluable for stealth-based characters.

9. Taarie – The Altmer Tailor

• Location: Solitude, Radiant Raiment
• Quest: Fit for a Jarl
• Why She’s Amazing: Taarie may not be the most outgoing, but she adds style and refinement to your Skyrim life. Completing her quest involves helping her with Jarl Elisif’s outfit, a small but charming mission.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a house yet, Taarie’s shop can serve as a temporary home—a unique perk for early or minimalist players.

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10. Ghorza Gra-Bagol – The Orc Blacksmith

• Location: Markarth
• Quest: Skilled Apprenticeship
• Why She’s Amazing: Strength and craftsmanship combined—Ghorza is the ultimate choice for smithing enthusiasts. Help her retrieve the Last Scabbard of Akrash, and she’ll boost your smithing skill while becoming a reliable companion in combat.

Pro Tip: Marrying Ghorza also gives access to Orc strongholds and crafting opportunities—a practical bonus for long-term players.

11. Iona – The Loyal Nord Housecarl

• Location: Riften, Honeyside
• Quest: Become Thane of Riften
• Why She’s Amazing: Iona is the perfect balance between combat and domestic support. As a Housecarl, she’s loyal, strong, and can serve as both tank and archer. For players who want an early-game advantage, Iona is a smart choice.

Pro Tip: Her higher health pool compared to other Housecarls makes her ideal for tougher battles and follower-heavy adventures.

12. Rayya – The Redguard Warrior

• Location: Falkreath
• Quest: Become Thane of Falkreath
• Why She’s Amazing: Rayya is your go-to tank spouse in the southern part of Skyrim. After becoming Thane, she offers exceptional one-handed and heavy armor skills, making her perfect for frontline combat.

Pro Tip: Her essential status ensures she cannot die unless you deal the final blow—an excellent choice for cautious players who value reliability.

13. Senna – The Breton Priestess

• Location: Temple of Dibella, Markarth
• Quest: The Heart of Dibella
• Why She’s Amazing: If you’re after a spouse with spiritual depth, Senna is unmatched. Completing her quest integrates a bit of Markarth’s religious life into your adventures. Though she cannot follow you in combat, she provides a meaningful roleplay experience and unique dialogue interactions.

Pro Tip: Great for players focused on immersive roleplay rather than combat benefits.

14. Sylgja – The Nord Miner

• Location: Shor’s Stone, The Rift
• Quest: Special Delivery
• Why She’s Amazing: Sylgja brings simplicity and charm to your marriage options. Deliver her satchel to her family in Darkwater Crossing, and she’s yours. While she can’t follow you in battle, she rewards your efforts with a random necklace—a small but nice touch.

Pro Tip: Ideal for players who want a peaceful, domestic spouse to enhance the home life aspect of Skyrim.

15. Ysolda – The Merchant with Ambition

• Location: Whiterun Marketplace
• Quest: Rare Gifts
• Why She’s Amazing: Ysolda’s trade-focused life makes her an excellent spouse for wealth-oriented players. Give her a mammoth tusk, and she’ll become a supportive partner. Her limited combat abilities are balanced by perks in speech and trading.

Pro Tip: Perfect for players who like maximizing Skyrim’s economy alongside adventuring.

16. Brelyna Maryon – The Aspiring Mage

• Location: College of Winterhold
• Quest: Brelyna’s Practice
• Why She’s Amazing: Brelyna is ideal for mage-focused builds. Helping her test spells boosts both her skill and your immersion in Winterhold’s magical community. She caps at level 30, making her a strong combat follower for mid-game adventures.

Pro Tip: Marry her after completing her quest to gain a versatile spellcaster companion who grows with you.

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17. Njada Stonearm – The Stoic Nord Companion

• Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
• Quest: Glory of the Dead (Companions)
• Why She’s Amazing: Njada is initially cold but warms up once you prove your worth in the Companions. As a shield user, she’s excellent for training Block skills and supporting your party in battle.

Pro Tip: Treat her carefully—her combat utility is best during the first 25 levels, after which she shines at home.

18. Ria – The Dedicated Imperial Warrior

• Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
• Quest: Glory of the Dead (Companions)
• Why She’s Amazing: Ria is another strong choice for Companion-focused characters. She wields a steel sword from Skyforge and is loyal throughout the first 25 levels of your journey.

Pro Tip: Completing the Companions questline is essential—her marriage is both a reward and a strategic companion choice.

19. Uthgerd the Unbroken – The Fearless Nord Fighter

• Location: The Bannered Mare, Whiterun
• Quest: Win her in a bar brawl
• Why She’s Amazing: If you want a tanky, heavy armor specialist, Uthgerd is the one. Winning her respect through a brawl makes the experience memorable and adds a fierce warrior to your party.

Pro Tip: Pair her with ranged or mage characters to balance combat roles—she’s a powerhouse in melee.

20. Gilfre – The Imperial Homemaker

• Location: Mixwater Mill, Eastmarch
• Quest: Chop Wood radiant quest
• Why She’s Amazing: Gilfre isn’t about combat—she’s about keeping your home running smoothly. Completing her wood-chopping quest earns her affection and makes domestic life in Skyrim richer.

Pro Tip: Ideal for players who love roleplay and home-building aspects of the game. She adds realism and charm without complicating combat strategies.

Final Thoughts on Skyrim Marriages

By now, it’s clear that Skyrim marriage isn’t just fluff—it’s a meaningful part of your adventure. Whether you want a spouse who fights by your side, supports you at home, or brings depth to your roleplay, Skyrim has something for everyone. Each marriage option comes with quests, unique benefits, and opportunities to enhance your gameplay—so don’t rush. Explore, complete the quests, and choose wisely.

Marriage in Skyrim is a blend of adventure, strategy, and personal storytelling—and I promise, once you experience it firsthand, it will make your journey across Tamriel even more unforgettable.