Best Husbands in Skyrim & How to Marry Them — A Complete 2025 Marriage Guide
Even after more than a decade, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim still manages to pull players into its snowy, dragon-filled world. And let’s be real—one of the most underrated (and surprisingly fun) features in Skyrim is… getting married. Yes, you can build your dream home, forge legendary weapons, and slay dragons—but you can also find your perfect husband.
Whether you want a fearless warrior, a loyal housecarl, or a blacksmith who can literally keep your gear sharp, there’s a Skyrim husband out there for every playstyle. I’ve gone deep into the game to break down how marriage works, who the best husbands are, and exactly what you need to do to make them your partner in Tamriel.
Let’s get into it.
🕊️ How Marriage Works in Skyrim (The Real Mechanics You Should Know)
First, let’s clear one thing up — you can’t just walk up to an NPC and propose. There’s a process, and it all starts with one simple item: the Amulet of Mara.
To unlock the option to marry, you need to:
Get the Amulet of Mara – You can buy it from Maramal at the Temple of Mara in Riften for 200 gold, or sometimes find it as random loot.
Talk to Maramal – Before the marriage dialogue appears with any NPC, Maramal must explain how Mara’s blessing works. If you skip this, no proposals will show up.
Wear the Amulet – This is the signal that you’re “open to love.” Eligible NPCs will give a special line of dialogue once you’re wearing it.
Meet Their Condition – Many potential husbands have a quest, a task, or a specific trigger before they’ll accept marriage.
Once that’s done, talk to Maramal again, and he’ll schedule your wedding for 24 in-game hours. Show up at the Temple of Mara, and boom—you’re married. After the ceremony, you can decide whether you want your new spouse to move into your home or theirs.
The best part? Your husband can also open a small shop, generating about 100 gold a day. It’s not exactly dragon hoard levels of wealth, but hey—free gold is free gold.
⚔️ How to Pick the Best Husband (And Why It Actually Matters)
Here’s the thing: in Skyrim, not all spouses are equal. Some are just NPCs you marry for flavor or roleplay, but others can fight alongside you, train your skills, or offer real gameplay advantages.
When I rank Skyrim husbands, I don’t just look at looks or questlines. I consider:
Combat Strength & Follower Potential: Can he hold his own against a dragon?
Level Cap: Some followers level with you, while others max out early.
Special Perks: Can he train you, smith better gear, or boost your income?
Quest Ties: Some characters come with interesting storylines that add immersion.
Home Location: It’s nice if your spouse doesn’t live halfway across Skyrim.
A good husband in Skyrim should either bring power, utility, or story value to your adventure.
🛡️ Top Skyrim Husband Candidates (Warriors & Companions)
Let’s start with the heavy hitters—the warriors who’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with you in battle.
1. Farkas – The Loyal Companion
📍 Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
📝 Requirement: Join the Companions & complete “Proving Honor”
🧠 Why he’s great: Farkas is a level-scaling follower, meaning he levels with you up to 50. He’s also a beast with heavy armor and two-handed weapons.
❤️ Bonus: He’s one of the few spouses who’s both battle-ready and plot-relevant.
If you’re running a warrior or tank build, Farkas is an easy pick. Plus, he’s genuinely one of the most loyal characters in the game.
2. Vilkas – The Swordmaster
📍 Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
📝 Requirement: Join the Companions & complete “Proving Honor”
⚔️ Why he’s great: Vilkas, Farkas’ brother, is another top-tier fighter with one-handed and heavy armor specialization.
🧠 Bonus: He can also train you in Two-Handed weapons, which means you can spend gold on training and then get it back by trading with him as your spouse.
This “training exploit” alone makes Vilkas one of the smartest husband picks for players who love min-maxing their build.
🛡️ Why he’s great: Argis is basically a walking wall. As a housecarl, he has strong heavy armor skills and is incredibly durable.
🏡 Bonus: If you like Markarth and want a husband who can protect your Hearthfire home or Dwemer ruins expeditions, Argis is ideal.
Argis may not be as chatty as Farkas or Vilkas, but he’ll keep you alive when a Blood Dragon decides to crash your afternoon stroll.
🪓 Husbands with Utility — The Blacksmiths & Merchants
Not everyone wants a husband who can cleave a draugr in half. Some players prefer practicality—someone who can help them craft better gear or make gold.
4. Balimund – The Smith of Riften
📍 Location: Riften
📝 Requirement: Bring 10 Fire Salts to complete “Quest: Balimund’s Fire Salts”
🛠️ Why he’s great: He runs the forge in Riften and offers blacksmithing services. Having him as your husband means free access to his shop.
💰 Bonus: His location is perfect—close to Riften’s fast travel point and the Thieves Guild entrance.
🪙 Why he’s great: Filnjar isn’t a fighter, but his forge gives you a permanent blacksmithing hub in a quiet, lag-free location.
🧠 Bonus: Shor’s Stone is one of those underrated spots that’s perfect for low-distraction gameplay.
I like Filnjar for roleplay runs—especially if you’re creating a character who lives off the land.
💰 Merchants & Clever Spouses You’ll Actually Want
Sometimes brains and gold trump brawn. If you’re after a husband who brings utility or interesting storylines, these are your go-to options.
6. Sorex Vinius – Solitude’s Demanding Merchant
📍 Location: Winking Skeever, Solitude
📝 Requirement: Deliver Stros M’Kai Rum to Falk Firebeard at Blue Palace
🧠 Why he’s great: Sorex is a shrewd merchant who keeps you on your toes. Once married, he earns gold and provides quirky dialogue that keeps your home lively.
🏠 Bonus: He’s picky about housing—he prefers Proudspire Manor if you have Hearthfire installed. Keep that in mind before moving him!
7. Quintus Navale – The Clever Alchemist
📍 Location: The White Phial, Windhelm
📝 Requirement: Complete “Repairing The Phial”
⚗️ Why he’s great: Quintus isn’t physically strong, but he’s brilliant with potions and alchemy. Marrying him means consistent access to alchemical supplies, which is huge for crafting and combat buffs.
💡 Pro tip: Take this route if your Dragonborn focuses on magic or stealth builds—Quintus can complement your style perfectly.
8. Marcurio – The Mercenary Mage
📍 Location: Bee and Barb, Riften
📝 Requirement: Hire for 500 gold
🪄 Why he’s great: A high-damage mage is always useful. Marcurio’s expertise in Destruction magic makes him an effective partner for ranged or hybrid builds.
⚠️ Heads up: His level cap is 40, so he’s strongest in the early to mid-game. Still, having a mage spouse who fights alongside you is a big win.
🌟 The Wildcards — Unique Husbands You Might Not Expect
Some husbands are quirky, unexpected, or come with unusual storylines. They may not be the strongest fighters, but they add character and depth to your Skyrim life.
9. Octieve San – The Gambler with a Heart
📍 Location: Near the Winking Skeever, Solitude
📝 Requirement: Help him pay off his debts
❤️ Why he’s great: He’s a flawed but charming Breton who gives you a slice of Skyrim’s more grounded side. His two-handed combat training perk is a nice bonus.
🎲 Fun fact: Helping him repay debts builds trust—and yes, he’s worth it for the story alone.
⚔️ Why he’s great: It’s one of Skyrim’s quirkiest marriage conditions, but Cosnach is loyal, fun, and keeps a drink handy. If your Dragonborn enjoys chaos with a touch of humor, he’s perfect.
11. Ghorbash the Iron Hand – The Orcish Adventurer
📍 Location: Dushnik Yal, near Markarth
📝 Requirement: Pay dowry or persuade him after a brawl
🛡️ Why he’s great: He’s strong, honorable, and perfect if you want an Orc spouse who combines raw power with personality.
💪 Bonus: He’s tough in combat and makes a great tank follower.
🏡 Step-by-Step: Executing the Perfect Skyrim Wedding
Here’s the insider trick: even if you know who you want, Skyrim marriage can be finicky. Follow these steps to avoid hiccups:
Wear the Amulet of Mara – Essential. No amulet, no dialogue options.
Complete the NPC’s requirement – Whether it’s a quest, a brawl, or delivering items, make sure it’s fully finished.
Speak to Maramal – He’ll explain the Temple of Mara’s blessing and schedule the wedding.
Wait 24 in-game hours – Set your game clock, and your spouse will appear at the temple.
Select the home – Decide whether to move your spouse in or use their residence.
Enjoy perks – Most husbands offer follower services, shop access, or skill training.
💡 Pro tips:
Some spouses prefer certain homes (Sorex Vinius → Proudspire Manor).
Don’t ignore the perks—training, smithing, or alchemy can make early game easier.
If your spouse dies, use console commands on PC or mods to recover; otherwise, remarriage isn’t possible.
💡 Why Skyrim Marriage Still Matters in 2025
Even years after Skyrim’s release, marriage adds:
Immersion & roleplay: Giving life to your Dragonborn outside combat.
Gameplay benefits: Followers, shops, skill training, and extra gold.
Replayability: Different spouses change gameplay experience and dialogue.
Personally, I find that pairing your Dragonborn with a warrior, smith, or merchant creates a strategic home life, turning Skyrim from a solo adventure into a dynamic, living world.
Marriage in Skyrim isn’t just a cosmetic feature—it’s a tool, a roleplay enhancer, and sometimes, a real gameplay advantage. From Farkas’ loyalty to Balimund’s smithing skills, there’s a husband for every playstyle.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that Amulet of Mara, complete your chosen spouse’s requirements, and bring a little love into your Dragonborn’s epic journey. Skyrim has plenty of dragons, dungeons, and danger—but a loyal husband at your side? That’s the ultimate perk.
Neha Tiwari
Neha Tiwari is the Editor at Earthtechy, where she curates and oversees gaming news, in-depth guides, and feature stories that resonate with today’s players. With a strong eye for emerging trends and a deep understanding of what excites gamers, Neha ensures every piece reflects Earthtechy’s unique voice—sharp, timely, and player-first. When she’s not editing, she’s exploring indie gems or optimizing workflows to keep the newsroom agile and ahead of the curve.