Is Marriage Worth It In Skyrim? Three Reasons To Get Married In Skyrim

One of the exciting new mechanics in Skyrim is the ability to be married. But is it worth getting married in Skyrim? What are the advantages of being married? This guide walks you through the processes and realities of married life in a dragon infested realm.

How To Get Married In Skyrim

Marriage is fairly simple, you simple acquire an Amulet of Mara from Maramal, who is found in Riften. He's either ranting in the pub or he can be found at the Temple of Mara. You can buy the Amulet of Mara from him for two hundred gold pieces, or you can find it in some dungeons. When you wear the amulet NPCs available for marriage will comment on it. You can then choose to ask them the rather blunt question, 'Are you interested in me?'

There is a catch however, you can't just rock on up to any NPC that takes your fancy. NPCs will only become interested in you once you've done something for them. Many of the Companions, for instance, become interested in marrying you once you've finished their main quest line. I'll avoid saying more for the sake of spoilers.

Skyrim Honeymoon

There's not much in the way of a honeymoon, after all, the kingdom is on the edge of dragon induced collapse, but you will have to choose where you and your spouse live. You can always move house later, so it's not too much of a do or die moment. You can live in any of the homes you have bought, or wherever your spouse was living before you married them.

Skyrim Marriage Ceremony

You'll have to return to Maramal in order to arrange your wedding, which will take place the next day. The ceremony itself is fairly underwhelming and don't expect too much in the way of lovey dovey affection.

Benefits Of Being Married In Skyrim

Being married does come with some decent benefits, here's a quick summary.

Band of Matrimony

Your wedding ring reduces the cost of restoration spells by 10%.

Home Cooked Meals

At first I was horrified when Aela the Huntress offered me a home cooked meal. How sexist, I thought! It turns out that male and female spouses alike will offer to cook you something special if you ask for it. You can have one home cooked meal a day, and it increases Health, Magicka and Stamina recovery.

Your Own Personal Shop

The day after your marriage (assuming you made him or her move into your home) your spouse will become bored with staying at home and decide to open his or her own shop. You will then be able to trade with him or her at your leisure, effectively turning your home into another trading post. Handy.You also get a cut of the profits they make trading with other NPCs, which works out to a nice sum of gold.

Kind Words

This isn't much of a tangible benefit, but I get a kick out of being called 'dear' and 'love' by NPCs who were calling me 'whelp' a few hours earlier.

All in all, marriage is certainly worth it, in my opinion. If you have Lydia as your house carl and a husband or wife waiting at home, coming back to your house after battling dragons and whatnot is actually quite nice. There's also the steady passive income stream to think about - all that gold for no work at all.