Top 10 Wives in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
To get married in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you must first obtain an Amulet of Mara, which can be purchased from Maramal in Riften after speaking to him about marriage. Before the amulet’s magic takes effect, however, you must complete a small quest for Maramal, which involves spreading the word about Mara’s teachings.
Once completed, wear the amulet and talk to an eligible NPC who has a favorable disposition toward you—this often requires completing a small quest for them. If they accept, visit Maramal at the Temple of Mara in Riften to arrange the wedding. The ceremony takes place the next day, and after marriage, your spouse can move into your home, cook meals, and provide a daily income if they run a shop or can be a dependable follower throughout your journey.
Marriage in Skyrim is more than just a roleplaying feature—it provides valuable perks, meaningful companionship, and even financial benefits. With a diverse range of potential spouses, each offering unique strengths and personalities, the choice comes down to your playstyle. Whether you seek a fierce warrior to fight by your side or a devoted partner to support you at home, Skyrim has the perfect match for every Dragonborn, so here are the top 10 wives in Skyrim that can soothe your loneliness in the cold and harsh world of Skyrim.
Table Of Contents
10-Morwen
Morwen is a Nord from the Skaal Village in Solstheim in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn DLC. Unlike most of her people, she is curious about the outside world but remains deeply connected to her Skaal heritage. She has a strong sense of duty, shown through her quest “Filial Bonds”, where she asks you to deliver her mother’s necklace to the Temple of the Divines in Solitude.
Completing this quest unlocks her as a marriage candidate, allowing you to propose if you wear an Amulet of Mara. As a spouse, she provides standard marriage perks, including a homecooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a shop that generates income. Morwen has her own house in Skaal Village, and after marriage, she can continue living there or move into a home of your choosing. If you appreciate strong, independent characters with deep cultural roots, Morwen is your pick.
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9-Dravynea the Stoneweaver
Dravynea the Stoneweaver is a Dunmer (Dark Elf) mage living in Kynesgrove, where she works to keep the town’s mine from overheating using her expertise in alteration magic. Unlike many Dunmer in Skyrim, she is well-respected by the local Nords and is known for her kindness. To unlock her as a marriage candidate, you must complete her quest, Dravynea’s Frost Salts, by bringing her a sample of Frost Salts, which she needs for her magical work.
After completing this task, you can marry her by wearing an Amulet of Mara and proposing. As a spouse, she offers standard benefits, including a homecooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a shop that generates income. However, Dravynea does not have her own house, meaning she must move into one of your properties after marriage. If you’re looking for a wise, kind-hearted Dunmer mage with a practical outlook, Dravynea is a great choice for marriage.
8-Uthgerd the Unbroken
Uthgerd the Unbroken is a Nord warrior and former member of the Companions, living in Whiterun. She was expelled from the Companions for killing a fellow aspirant in a trial match, which left her bitter and seeking worthy opponents. Despite her tough and aggressive demeanor, deep down, she is kind and loyal to those who prove themselves worthy of her respect.
To unlock her as a marriage candidate, you must first defeat her in a brawl, proving your strength. After winning, she will become a follower, and you can propose to her by wearing an Amulet of Mara. As a spouse, she provides the usual benefits, including a homecooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a store that generates income. Unlike many marriage candidates, Uthgerd has her own House in Whiterun—where you can live with her after marriage. Uthgerd is a strong, independent warrior with a hidden soft side.
7-Borgakh the Steel Heart
Borgakh the Steel Heart is an Orc warrior from Mor Khazgur, an Orc stronghold in western Skyrim. She is young and destined for an arranged marriage but expresses a desire to see the world beyond her stronghold. If you pay her “bride price” to Chief Larak, she will become a follower, allowing you to propose to her with an Amulet of Mara.
Despite her strong and disciplined exterior, she is loyal and respects those who give her freedom. As a spouse, she provides the usual benefits, including a homecooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a store that generates income moreover she’s a decent follower. Borgakh does not have her own house, meaning she must move into one of your properties after marriage. Borgakh is a fierce yet loyal companion with a desire for adventure.
6-Muiri
Muiri is a Breton alchemist working at The Hag’s Cure in Markarth. Once an apprentice, she became entangled with the Dark Brotherhood after her former lover, Alain Dufont, betrayed her. To unlock her as a marriage candidate, you must complete the Dark Brotherhood quest “Mourning Never Comes”, where she hires you to assassinate Alain. If you go the extra step and kill Nilsine Shatter-Shield, she will reward you with a special Ring of Pure Mixtures and express deep gratitude.
After completing her quest, she develops a strong liking for the player, seeing them as her savior, and you can then propose with an Amulet of Mara. As a spouse, she provides the usual marriage benefits, including a homecooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a store that generates income. However, Muiri does not have her own house, meaning she must move into one of your properties after marriage. If you prefer a mysterious, passionate partner with a dark past who grows deeply attached to you, Muiri is a compelling choice.
5-Gilfre
Gilfre is an Imperial lumberjack who runs Mixwater Mill, located southeast of Windhelm. After the local workers abandoned the mill due to the war, she was left to run it all alone, making her life difficult and lonely. To unlock her as a marriage candidate, you simply need to chop and sell her firewood, proving your willingness to help. Once married, she becomes incredibly sweet and appreciative, happy to finally have someone by her side.
As a spouse, she provides the usual benefits, including a home-cooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a store that generates income. Unlike many marriage candidates, Gilfre has her own home at Mixwater Mill, where you can live with her after marriage. Gilfre is a hardworking, kind-hearted woman who truly needs a strong partner to help her.
4-Brelyna Maryon
Brelyna Maryon is a Dunmer mage (Dark Elf) studying at the College of Winterhold, determined to prove herself despite her noble House Telvanni heritage. Coming from a prestigious family in Morrowind, she chose to pursue magic on her own terms rather than relying on her status. To unlock her as a marriage candidate, you must complete her personal quest, “Brelyna’s Practice,” where she tests a spell on you that temporarily causes humorous side effects.
Once completed, you can propose to her using the Amulet of Mara. She is also a decent follower, specializing in Destruction and Conjuration magic, making her a strong combat companion. but she does not have her own house meaning she must move into one of your properties. As a spouse, she is kind and intelligent, offering a homecooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a shop that generates income. If you’re looking for a devoted, ambitious mage with a noble background who values personal growth and makes a reliable ally in battle, Brelyna is a fantastic choice.
Honorable Mentions
Ysolda
Ysolda is a kind-hearted and ambitious Nord living in Whiterun, with dreams of becoming a successful merchant. She is one of the easiest marriage candidates to win over, requiring only a simple favor quest—bringing her a mammoth tusk to help her learn the trade. As a spouse, she runs a shop, provides a steady daily income, and offers a warm, homey presence. Her friendly personality and entrepreneurial spirit make her a great choice for players looking for a supportive and hardworking wife in Skyrim.
Lydia
Lydia is a loyal and battle-ready Nord warrior who serves as the Housecarl of Whiterun, assigned to the Dragonborn after acquiring Breezehome. Fiercely protective, she excels in Heavy Armor and One-Handed combat, making her a strong follower and a dependable companion in battle. As a spouse, she can move into your home, cook meals, and provide income if set up as a shopkeeper along with her aid in battles. Her unwavering loyalty, combat prowess, and deep respect for the Dragonborn make her a great choice for marriage in Skyrim.
Njada Stonearm
Njada Stonearm is a tough and headstrong Nord warrior who serves as a shield-brother in the Companions. She specializes in Block and One-Handed combat, making her a solid choice for players who want a durable and skilled fighter as a follower. While she initially comes off as harsh and dismissive, earning her respect through the Companions questline reveals her more loyal side. As a spouse, she offers the usual benefits, including homecooked meals and shop profits also she can be a good follower and aid in combat. If you’re looking for a strong-willed and battle-hardened partner, Njada is a great choice for marriage.
3-Aela the Huntress
Aela the Huntress is a Nord warrior and a proud member of the Companions, following Hircine’s old ways. Coming from a long line of hunters, she is deeply devoted to her pack and the beast blood that runs through her veins. To unlock her as a marriage candidate, you must complete the Companions questline, which includes becoming a werewolf yourself. She is also one of the best followers, specializing in Archery, and Light Armor, making her a deadly ranged fighter.
Unlike most spouses, Aela keeps her werewolf abilities after the questline, allowing her to embrace her beast form alongside you. She has a place in Jorrvaskr with the other Companions, but it isn’t a private home so she should move to one of your properties. As a spouse, she remains fierce and independent while still offering a homecooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a store that generates income. If you seek a strong, fearless warrior who shares your lycanthropic nature, Aela is one of the best choices for marriage.
2-Sylgja
Sylgja is a Nord miner from Shor’s Stone, a small village near Riften. She grew up in the mining life and worked so hard that she injured her back, forcing her to take a break from heavy labor. Despite her struggles, she remains kind-hearted and hardworking. To unlock her as a marriage candidate, you must complete her quest, “Special Delivery,” where she asks you to deliver a letter to her parents in Darkwater Crossing.
Once completed, you can propose an Amulet of Mara to her. Unlike many spouses, Sylgja has her own house in Shor’s Stone, which you can live in after marriage. As a spouse, she offers the usual benefits, including a homecooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a shop that generates income. If you’re looking for a sweet, humble, and hardworking wife with a strong spirit, Sylgja is your choice.
1-Taarie
Taarie is an Altmer (High Elf) who runs Radiant Raiment in Solitude alongside her sister, Endarie, making her the only Altmer marriage candidate in Skyrim. She is elegant and refined but initially comes across as snobbish, often joking about the player’s fashion choices. However, once you complete her quest, “Fit for a Jarl,” where she asks you to model an outfit for Jarl Elisif, she softens and becomes sweet and even flirty at times.
After completing the quest, you can propose to her with an Amulet of Mara. As a spouse, she provides the usual benefits, including a home-cooked meal, the Lover’s Comfort bonus, and a store that generates income. However, she does not have her own house, meaning she will move into one of your properties after marriage. If you want a sophisticated, stylish, and charming wife who adds a touch of elegance to your life, Taarie is a great choice.
With so many marriage options in Skyrim, choosing the best wife depends on what you value most—combat skills, personality, or practical benefits. Some spouses offer strong combat abilities, making them great companions in battle, while others provide financial perks and a warm home life. Certain characters have unique personalities and backstories, adding depth to the roleplaying experience. Whether you seek a fierce warrior, a caring partner, or a resourceful ally, the right choice comes down to personal preference and playstyle.
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