Skip to Content

Skyrim: Top 10 Best Wives To Marry

Looking for a loving partner in Skyrim? Here is a list of the best wives that you can acquire, outlining the benefits they bring and tips on how to win their affection. Find your perfect match here!

What do I get for marrying someone?

Your spouse will become a merchant, and provide 100 Gold every 24 hours. This Gold accumulates.

Additionally, the spouse may come with a house that you gain full access to. The house your partner lives in can be changed at any time.

The player can ask their spouse to cook a meal for them too, once a day.

Any adopted children will live with the spouse, and open unique dialogue interactions between them all.

Finally, sleeping next to a spouse provides the Lover’s Comfort buff, boosting skill experience rate by 15% for 8 hours!

To start, you will need an Amulet of Mara.

How do I get an Amulet of Mara?

Merchants and general containers have a small chance of selling or containing an Amulet of Mara.

Otherwise, the easiest and most fun way to get one is via the Book of Love quest-line, offered by Dinya Balu in the Temple of Mara, Riften.


10. Muiri

Offering very little in terms of game-play, Muiri is one of the prettiest wives available in Skyrim.

She’s a fan favorite for her looks, and meme’d for her means of acquiring affection.

RaceFollowerComes with House
BretonNoNo

Where to find

The Hag’s Cure in Markarth.

How to marry

Quite a dark one, Muiri requires the player to kill her ex-partner, as well as her friend.

Note: You cannot marry her if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood.


9. Ria

One of the few followers who prefer to dual wield weapons, Ria is a powerful warrior and faithful wife.

She can die though, so if you plan to have her as a follower and a wife, make sure you keep an eye on her in battle.

RaceFollowerComes with House
ImperialYesNo

Where to find

Jorrvaskr in Whiterun.

How to marry

Complete the Companions main quest-line.


8. Camilla Valerius

Camilla has a few men chasing her, Faendal is particularly stalker-ish and will follow her wherever she goes, even after marriage.

If you ask her to move to your house in a different town, Faendal will still continue to visit her. Might be worth disposing of him.

She can take over the Riverwood Trader if something happens to Lucan, just something to consider!

RaceFollowerComes with House
ImperialNoNo

Where to find

Riverwood Trader in Riverwood.

How to marry

Her brother, Lucan, will ask you to retrieve the Golden Claw. After doing so, Camilla’s affection will be high enough to marry.


7. Jenassa

One of two Dark Elves on the list, Jenassa is a strong and independent potential spouse.

Like Ria, she can be killed in battle. Preferring Light Armor over Heavy Armor decreases her survivability, but she does like using bows to keep her out of range of combat.

RaceFollowerComes with House
DunmerNoNo

Where to find

The Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun.

How to marry

Hiring her as a follower will grant enough affection to unlock marriage.


6. Ysolda

Ysolda is a beautiful and loyal Nord, and one of the first potential spouses you encounter.

Owning a home in Whiterun which is conveniently close to vendors and the marketplace makes her an ideal early marriage choice.

RaceFollowerComes with House
NordNoYes

Where to find

Whiterun. Sometimes in the Bannered Mare, but usually roaming the Marketplace.

How to marry

Ysolda will ask you to provide a Mammoth Tusk, once you’ve given her one, she’ll be available for marriage.

The easiest way to acquire a Mammoth Tusk is in a chest on the 2nd floor of the Drunken Huntsman, also in Whiterun.


5. Brelyna Maryon

Brelyn is an adept magic user with a shy and humble personality. At first, she can seem a bit conceited but a few polite dialogue responses will change that.

She can also become a follower, utilising high damage spells to demolish enemies from range.

RaceFollowerComes with House
DunmerYesNo

Where to find

Hall of Attainment in the College of Winterhold.

How to marry

Brelyna has a quest available, where she needs someone to test her skills upon. Complete this quest to unlock marriage.


4. Uthgerd the Unbroken

Another occupant of Whiterun, Uthgerd’s house is easily accessible after fast traveling to the gates.

Far from a stay-at-home wife, Uthgerd is a powerful warrior who will sport heavy armor and join you in your adventures.

RaceFollowerComes with House
NordYesYes

Where to find

The Bannered Mare in Whiterun.

How to marry

Uthgerd will wager she can beat you in a punching brawl. Beating her will impress her so much, she’ll want to marry you!


3. Borgakh the Steel Heart

Stuck in her home stronghold of Mor Khazgur, Borgakh dreams of a life of freedom and will soon be married to an Orc Chief.

Until the Dragonborn comes to visit, that is. Recruiting her as a follower will provide an excellent option as her standard Orcish equipment is strong at almost all stages of the game.

RaceFollowerComes with House
OrcYesNo

Where to find

Mor Khazgur

How to marry

Hire her as a follower so she can finally leave Mor Khazgur to have a chance of marrying Borgakh.


2. Mjoll the Lioness

A woman of strong convictions, Mjoll opposes corruption, such as the Thieves’ Guild.

Such a personality can be intimidating to a lot of players, but you’ll barely find a better potential wife in Skyrim.

Also, she can’t die!

She’s pretty much invaluable as both a follower and a wife, providing Lover’s Comfort for each night slept together as well as being an excellent warrior in combat.

RaceFollowerComes with House
NordYesYes

Where to find

Inside the Bee and Barn Inn of Riften, or wandering close by.

How to marry

One of the more difficult ones. To start, you’ll need to be at least level 14 and agree with her when she says the Thieves Guild are evil.

She’ll grant you a quest, Grimsever’s Return, which will open her mind to marriage upon completion.


1. Aela the Huntress

Efficient and capable warrior, stunning looks, and a resonant personality.

Having a perfect blend of game-play and aesthetic aspects is Aela the Huntress, widely considered to be the best follower & spouse in Skyrim!

Once the companion’s quest-line is completed and she becomes available for marriage, she’ll no longer be considered an essential character and will be able to be killed.

RaceFollowerComes with House
NordYesNo

Where to find

Jorrvaskr in Whiterun.

How to marry

Complete the Companions main quest-line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is marriage in Skyrim?

Marriage in Skyrim is just like marriage in real life, creating a bond between two people to share.

How do I marry someone?

To start, you need to acquire an Amulet of Mara. Each potential spouse will have their own requirements but they usually involve some kind of quest.

Can I only marry members of the opposite gender in Skyrim?

Anyone can marry any gender in Skyrim.

Can I marry any race in Skyrim?

No, there are no Bosmer or Khajit women to marry.

Check out our related Skyrim guides below: