10 Best Marriages in Skyrim, Ranked

“Live another life, in another world” was easily one of the best marketing slogans used to promote the open-world role-playing games coming out of Bethesda back in the day, and the same remains valid for the entire genre. One aspect that captivated many and ensured total immersion was the ability to marry and settle down after long journeys from Riften to Solitude, so what are the best marriages in Skyrim?

The Best Marriages in Skyrim

While it’s not necessary to marry in Skyrim, it does add a bit of flavor and greater immersion within the world, and that’s a massive plus for any RPG fan these days. But with approximately 5,400 NPCs roaming Skyrim, how do you narrow down your marriage candidate to just one without mods?

Ysolda

Ysolda, a Nord merchant found wandering the marketplace in Whiterun, is one of the earliest “attractive” NPCs you will likely stumble upon. Her unique appearance is equal only to her desire to become one of the most powerful merchants in the land. But for that, she requires help. Your help. You see, Ysolda wants a mammoth tusk as part of her quest, “Rare Gifts,” and if you can satisfy her needs, she’ll become a marriage candidate.

Uthgerd the Unbroken

Uthgerd, another Nord, but this time a strong and capable warrior, likes to hang around The Bannered Mare in Whiterun. She’s often found drinking in the corner alone. Previously, before roaming the city solo, she attempted to join The Companions but killed the young man she fought in single combat and was thrust out. As a marriage candidate, she’s powerful, capable of holding her own in combat encounters and dungeon-delving. If you prefer to adventure above all else, Uthgerd makes for one of the best companions and marriage candidates.

Ria

Here we have Ria, the most recent addition to The Companions; the screenshot does not do her justice. She looks like a vampire. But in reality, at least the game’s reality, Ria is an attractive and capable fighter, an Imperial who found her home in Whiterun alongside the other fighters of the clan. But to win her heart, you must finish The Companions’ storyline, and that’s no straightforward task.

Brelyna Maryon

It’s time to walk out of the main gates of Whiterun and venture north — far north — to the College of Winterhold. Here, a Dunmer Mystic named Brelyna Maryon would like your help in an experiment. You can find her in the Hall of Attainment, where she sleeps, so you’ll likely want a home for her to move into once you marry after finishing her side quest.

On the combat front, Brelyna casts spells like no other. She wields Oakflesh, Flames, and Firebolt offensively. On the side, she’ll summon Flame and Frost Atronarchs, making her formidable in any situation.

Sylgja

A personal favorite marriage candidate in Skyrim, Sylgja calls Shor’s Stone her home, and it’s a bit out of the way. Just to the north of Riften, the small town is more of a handful of buildings focused on the mine in the mountain behind them. Sylgja is unique in appearance and ability. She becomes a marriage candidate once you finish her simple delivery quest, in which you must deliver her letters to her father and then return with her package. From there, you can marry Sylgja and move into her home or yours.

Aela the Huntress

Most people don’t know you can marry Aela the Huntress in Skyrim. She’s a Nord werewolf and thief, a member of The Companions, and tough as nails. But to marry this warrior princess, you must finish the faction questline. And don’t worry about Skjor; there are rumors the two were romantically involved, but nothing is confirmed, so he can jog on. Aela is a capable archer, willing to teach you a thing or two, and can hold her own in a fight. She’s best suited to ranged attacks to back you up, though.

Scouts-Many-Marshes

As the first and only Argonian on this list of potential marriage candidates in Skyrim, Scouts-Many-Marshes wins hearts for a few reasons. But first, you can find him working the docks down in Windhelm or at the Argonian Assemblage, where he sleeps each night. But to marry this Argonian laborer, you must finish a miscellaneous quest for him. It’s random and straightforward, so worry not. Once you’re done, visit him with the Amulet of Mara. Scouts-Many-Marshes is a capable Blacksmith, Light Armor Trainer, and an idyllist.

Vilkas

Vilkas, a Nord warrior and werewolf, is the Master at Arms of The Companions. He’s the more distinguished twin between Farkas and himself, proving himself a capable leader and fighter in most situations. As for marriage potential, however, you must finish The Companions’ questline, and then you can pop the question or hire him as a follower. Alternatively, you can enlist Vilkas as a member of The Blades.

Farkas

Farkas, another Nord werewolf and a vital member of The Companions (do you see a trend?), is the most formidable fighter the mercenaries offer. He’s also one of the first you will genuinely meet and interact with on any profound level as he accompanies you on your first quest for the group. He’s a Master-level Heavy Armor Trainer, a Shield-Brother, and a marriage candidate. But like all other members of The Companions, you can only pop the question after finishing the faction’s storyline.

Lydia

Lydia, a Nord Housecarl, is something of a running joke in the Skyrim community. She’s one of the earliest followers you will likely acquire, as she’s something of a quest reward for following the main story. But she’s also most players’ first introduction to the painful companion system, in which characters block your path and lead you to death. Still, Lydia is interesting. She’s gorgeous as far as video game characters go, a strong fighter, and manages your household. She’s an ideal marriage candidate in Skyrim and available once she’s unlocked as you become Thane of Whiterun.

How to Get Married in Skyrim

So, one of the marriage candidates mentioned above caught your eye, eh? If that’s the case, or you have your sights on someone I didn’t mention here, then you’ll want to explore your options, especially regarding how to get married in Skyrim.

For starters, you will require a visit to Riften, where you must speak with Maramal. If it’s your first time in Riften, you can find the priest arguing with patrons in The Bee and Barb, the local pub across the bridge from the entrance. Afterward, he’ll hang around inside the Temple of Mara.

After speaking with him, you can purchase an Amulet of Mara or find one in the world and wear it while communicating with your ideal marriage candidate. It’s important to note that you must complete their respective quests first. For instance, if you’re trying to woo Sylgja, you must deliver her letters to her parents and then return with their package. After that, she’ll fall head over heels for you. The same goes for the other marriage candidates.