You’ve probably spent hours trekking through the frozen tundra of the Pale, fighting off frost trolls and wondering why on earth you’re still carrying twenty pounds of dragon bones. Then it hits you. Skyrim is lonely. Sure, Lydia is there to carry your burdens, but she’s not exactly great dinner company. That’s why the list of spouses Skyrim offers is such a massive part of the game’s longevity. It isn’t just about getting a 15% XP boost from the "Lover’s Comfort" buff, though let’s be honest, that’s a huge perk for power-leveling. It’s about making that empty house in Whiterun feel like a home.
Marriage in Bethesda’s 2011 masterpiece (which we are somehow still playing in 2026) is surprisingly democratic. You wear the Amulet of Mara, you talk to Maramal in Riften, and suddenly half the province is interested. But not all spouses are created equal. Some are essential followers who can tank a Giant’s club to the face. Others will literally never leave your kitchen.
The Heavy Hitters: Spouses Who Can Actually Fight
If you’re looking for a partner who won’t die the second a Briarheart looks at them, you need to look at the Companions or the Dawnguard. Most people gravitate toward Aela the Huntress. She’s iconic. She’s a werewolf. She has excellent archery stats. Honestly, she’s one of the few NPCs that feels like she has a life outside of the player. If you marry Aela, you’re getting a high-tier follower who can train you in Archery up to level 75. It’s practical.
Then there’s Vilkas and Farkas.
Farkas is basically a giant puppy with a greatsword. He’s kind-hearted, if a bit dim, and provides heavy armor training. Vilkas is the more "intellectual" brother, offering Two-Handed training. Both are solid choices because they have high health pools. You won't have to reload a save every five minutes because your spouse stepped on a pressure plate.
But what about the magic users? Brelyna Maryon at the College of Winterhold is a sleeper hit. She’s a Dunmer mage who can summon Flame Atronachs. In the early game, having an extra body on the field that shoots fireballs is a game-changer. She's quiet, out of the way, and doesn't complain about "carrying your burdens" every time you trade items.
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Why the List of Spouses Skyrim Provides is So Weird
Let’s talk about the oddballs. Bethesda included some truly bizarre choices in the list of spouses Skyrim features. Take Cosnach in Markarth. You have to beat him in a fistfight to earn his respect. He’s a drunk who spends his days at the Silver-Blood Inn. Why would you marry him? Maybe for the roleplay of "fixing" him? Or maybe because his dialogue is hilarious.
Then there’s the Orc strongholds. Marrying an Orc like Ghorbash the Iron Hand or Moth gro-Bagol requires you to become Blood-Kin first. It feels earned. Ghorbash is a former Legionnaire who misses the thrill of travel. Bringing him along as your spouse feels like you're actually doing him a favor by getting him out of that stronghold.
And we can’t forget the merchants.
- Camilla Valerius: The woman at the center of the Riverwood love triangle. Marrying her is the ultimate "power move" against Faendal and Sven.
- Ysolda: She just wants to be a merchant. If you give her a Mammoth Tusk, she’s yours. She’s great because she stays in Whiterun, runs her shop, and gives you your 100 gold daily stipend without any fuss.
- Revyn Sadri: A Windhelm merchant who is surprisingly charming once you help him with a "legal" issue involving a stolen ring.
It’s easy to just pick the first person who says "Is that an Amulet of Mara?" but the variety is there if you look for it. You can marry beggars, blacksmiths, miners, and warriors.
The Logistics: How Not to Mess Up Your Wedding
Listen, the wedding ceremony in Riften is notorious for glitching. You show up, Maramal starts talking, and suddenly a dead body might fall from the ceiling if you’ve been doing Dark Brotherhood quests. It’s a mess.
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To ensure your marriage actually works, you need to follow the sequence.
- Get the Amulet. You can buy it from Maramal for 200 gold or find it in random loot.
- Talk to your potential spouse. Ensure you’ve finished their specific favor quest.
- Propose.
- Get to the Temple of Mara within 24 hours. Don't wait. Don't go clear a dungeon. Just go to the temple.
If you miss the wedding, your spouse-to-be will be rightfully furious. You can apologize, but it’s awkward. Just show up on time.
Breaking Down the Fan Favorites
Everyone has a "canon" spouse in their head. For many, it’s Mjoll the Lioness. She’s essential. This means she literally cannot be killed by enemies. That alone makes her the "best" spouse on paper. The only downside? Her "friend" Aerin follows her everywhere. Even into your bedroom. It’s weird. Most players end up using... creative methods... to deal with Aerin.
On the other hand, there’s Jenassa. She’s a mercenary found in the Drunken Huntsman. She’s one of the few followers who doesn't mind if you commit crimes. If you're playing a thief or an assassin, she’s the perfect partner in crime. She has a dark, poetic way of speaking that makes the "Homecooked Meal" dialogue feel much more intense than it needs to be.
Some Under-the-Radar Picks
- Shahvee: The only female Argonian you can marry. She’s incredibly upbeat despite living in a wind-swept dock outside Windhelm.
- Balimund: The Riften blacksmith. If you bring him 10 Fire Salts, he’s a devoted husband and a convenient place to sell your junk.
- Argis the Bulwark: The Markarth Housecarl. He’s built like a brick wall and has some of the best combat barks in the game.
What Most People Get Wrong About Skyrim Marriage
A common misconception is that marriage changes the NPC's personality. It doesn't. Aela will still talk about the thrill of the hunt. Marcurio will still be an arrogant (but talented) mage-for-hire. The only thing that changes is their "Store" inventory and their willingness to cook you a pie once a day.
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Also, you can't get divorced. Not without mods or console commands. In the vanilla game, marriage is "until death do us part," and even then, killing your spouse doesn't always let you remarry. It’s a one-shot deal. Choose wisely.
The Actionable Strategy for Choosing Your Spouse
Don't just rush into it. Think about your build.
If you are playing a Survival Mode run, you need a spouse who lives in a central location or is a powerful follower who can carry extra gear. If you are a Mage, marrying someone like Onmund or Brelyna keeps the College of Winterhold relevant. If you're a Warrior, marrying a blacksmith like Moth gro-Bagol or Balimund gives you immediate access to a forge and a shop.
Basically, look at the list of spouses Skyrim offers through the lens of utility first, then roleplay. Or just marry the person who has the coolest warpaint. That works too.
Your Next Steps in the Marriage Quest
- Check your inventory: See if you already have an Amulet of Mara. If not, head to the Bee and Barb in Riften and find Maramal.
- Complete the "Book of Love" quest: This quest, given by Dinya Balu in the Temple of Mara, gives you a permanent 15% Resist Magic bonus. It's the best "marriage-adjacent" reward in the game.
- Test the follower: Before proposing, hire the NPC as a follower. See if their combat style matches yours. See if their repetitive dialogue lines drive you crazy.
- Pick your house: Buy a house before the wedding. Moving into a spouse's cramped shack in the middle of nowhere is a downgrade from Breezehome or Lakeview Manor.
Marriage in Skyrim isn't just a mechanic; it's a way to anchor yourself in a world that is constantly trying to kill you. Whether you want a fellow warrior to stand back-to-back with or a quiet merchant to welcome you home, the options are there. Just watch out for Aerin if you pick Mjoll. Seriously.