You've spent a hundred hours trekking through the frozen tundra of the Pale. You've killed dragons. You've probably accidentally hit a chicken in Riverwood and faced the wrath of the entire town guard. But eventually, the Dragonborn gets lonely. That’s where the Amulet of Mara comes in. Finding skyrim marriage candidates with pictures isn’t just about looking at a face; it’s about utility, location, and whether they’ll actually help you out when a Frost Troll is breathing down your neck. Honestly, some of these NPCs are basically useless. Others are absolute goldmines for your playthrough.
Marriage in Skyrim is a weirdly mechanical process. You buy a necklace from Maramal in Riften, put it on, and suddenly half the province is interested in your life story. It’s kinda funny how fast they say "Yes," but picking the wrong person can lead to a very boring home life in Breezehome. You want someone who offers more than just a daily "Homecooked Meal."
The Heavy Hitters: Why Everyone Picks Lydia or Aela
Let’s be real. If you haven’t thought about marrying Aela the Huntress, are you even playing Skyrim? She’s a fan favorite for a reason. She’s a powerful archer, a werewolf, and she doesn't judge you for your "less-than-legal" activities.
Aela is found in Whiterun at Jorrvaskr. To marry her, you have to finish the entire Companions questline. It’s a grind. You have to become the Harbinger. But once you do, she provides a shop, she trains you in Archery, and she can follow you into battle. She’s one of the most versatile skyrim marriage candidates with pictures often circulating in every forum thread since 2011. Her level cap is 50. That’s high for a vanilla spouse.
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Then there’s Lydia. Oh, Lydia. The woman "sworn to carry your burdens." She’s the quintessential starter wife. Most players marry her because she’s right there. You get her for free after becoming Thane of Whiterun. She’s reliable, she wears heavy armor well, and she already lives in your house. It’s convenient. But convenience isn't always romance.
The Mercenaries: Marrying for Muscle
Sometimes you don't want a companion who sits at home. You want a partner in crime.
Marcurio is a standout. You find him sitting in the Bee and Barb in Riften. He’s a hireling, so you have to pay him 500 gold first. He’s arrogant. He complains about being a pack mule. But his Chain Lightning is absolutely devastating. If you’re a warrior who needs magical backup, Marcurio is arguably the best spouse for pure combat efficiency. He doesn’t have a complex quest; just pay him, wear the amulet, and he’s yours.
Belrand in Solitude is another hireling option. He’s an older guy with a receding hairline and a surprisingly upbeat attitude. He uses a mix of magic and one-handed weapons. He’s a "spellsword." While he isn't as popular as the younger, more "attractive" candidates, he brings a lot of personality to a long-term game.
Why Farkas and Vilkas Matter
The Twins. If you like the "big, strong, and slightly dim" trope, Farkas is your guy. He’s incredibly sweet for a guy who turns into a wolf and rips people apart. He has a level cap of 50 and specializes in Heavy Armor and Two-Handed.
Vilkas, his brother, is the "smart" one. He’s more tactical. Both require the completion of the Companions questline. They are solid choices because they provide master-level training. Marrying your trainer is a classic Skyrim pro-tip. It basically makes leveling up free because you can just take your gold back from their inventory after paying for the lesson. It’s a bit of a loophole. It works.
The Shopkeepers: Turning a Profit
If you aren't bringing your spouse on adventures, you want them to be productive. Every spouse in Skyrim opens a "small shop" that generates 100 gold per day. It adds up.
Camilla Valerius is the most famous shopkeeper candidate. You know her from the "Golden Claw" quest in Riverwood. She’s the center of a love triangle between Faendal and Sven. Marrying her is a bit of a power move. Just be warned: if you haven't dealt with her suitors, they might still show up at your house. It’s awkward.
Ysolda in Whiterun is another favorite. She’s a merchant-in-training. She’s easy to marry—just bring her a Mammoth Tusk. You can find one easily in many bandit camps or just "borrow" one from the Dragonsreach treasury. Ysolda is great because she’s always in the market, she’s friendly, and she feels like she actually has a career path.
The Rare and Unique Candidates
Not everyone wants a warrior or a shopkeeper. Some people want someone a bit... different.
- Moraich of Lleril: Actually, let's look at Shahvee. She’s the only female Argonian you can marry. You find her at the Windhelm Docks. She’s incredibly positive despite living in a freezing cold shipping crate. Her quest is simple: find her an amulet.
- Derkeethus: The only male Argonian. You have to rescue him from a cave called Darkwater Pass. He’s often bugged, unfortunately. Sometimes he tries to run back to his cave even after you marry him. It's a long-distance relationship, I guess.
- The Orcs: If you become Blood-Kin, you can marry several Orcs in the strongholds. Moth gro-Bagol is a blacksmith in Markarth. Borgakh the Steel Heart is a fierce warrior in Mor Khazgur. They bring a different aesthetic to your homestead.
What Most People Get Wrong About Skyrim Marriage
People think the "Lover’s Comfort" bonus is the only reason to get hitched. It’s not. That 15% XP boost is great, sure. But the real value is the Homecooked Meal. This isn't just flavor text. It regenerates Health, Stamina, and Magicka. In a tight spot, having a stack of these in your inventory is better than most potions.
Also, your spouse can't die easily, but they aren't immortal. If you take them into a dungeon and "accidentally" hit them with a Fireball while they have low health, they are gone. Forever. There is no divorce in Skyrim. The only way to remarry involves heavy PC modding or console commands. On consoles like PS5 or Xbox, your choice is permanent. Choose wisely.
The Logistics of the Wedding
Once you have your candidate picked out, you go to Riften. Talk to Maramal. He’s usually in the Bee and Barb or the Temple of Mara. Buy the amulet for 200 gold. Wear it. Talk to your chosen NPC.
The wedding happens 24 hours after the proposal. Don't be late. If you miss your own wedding, the NPC will hate you. You can apologize, but it’s a hassle. After the ceremony, you decide where to live. If you have the Hearthfire DLC, you can build a massive estate. This is usually the best option because it gives your spouse plenty of room and you can have stewards, bards, and carriages.
Final Thoughts on skyrim marriage candidates with pictures
Finding the perfect partner in the snowy wastes of Skyrim is about more than just a ceremony. It’s about who complements your playstyle.
- For Warriors: Pick Aela or Vilkas for training and combat support.
- For Mages: Marcurio is the undisputed king of magical backup.
- For Roleplayers: Shahvee or Revyn Sadri offer unique dialogue and backgrounds.
- For Profit: Ysolda or Camilla keep the gold flowing while you’re out dungeoneering.
Check your quest log. If you’ve already cleared "The Bonds of Matrimony," you’re halfway there. Go to Riften, get that amulet, and stop adventuring alone. Just remember to keep an eye on Lydia if you’re leading her near any steep cliffs.
Actionable Insights:
- If you want the most "bang for your buck," finish the Companions questline first to unlock the highest-level followers who also double as spouses.
- Always keep the Homecooked Meal on your favorites menu for emergency stat regeneration.
- Use the gold generated by your spouse to fund your Smithing or Enchanting grinds; that 100 gold a day pays for a lot of Iron Ingots over time.
- If you're on PC and regret your choice, the console command
resetquest 74793is your only path to a "divorce," but use it at your own risk.