In the vast, snow-covered lands of Skyrim, even the mightiest Dragonborn needs someone to come home to after a long day of dragon slaying and dungeon delving. Marriage in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim offers more than just companionship—it provides daily income, home-cooked meals, and a loyal partner who can even join you on your adventures. With over 65 potential spouses across the province, finding the perfect match can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide reveals the 25 best wives in Skyrim, detailing their unique personalities, combat capabilities, economic benefits, and exactly how to win their hearts. Whether you’re looking for a fierce warrior companion, a wealthy merchant, or simply someone with an interesting story, we’ve got you covered.
How Marriage Works in Skyrim?
Before diving into our list of the best wives, let’s cover the basics of Skyrim’s marriage system. Unlike many RPGs, Skyrim makes marriage surprisingly straightforward once you know the process.
The Amulet of Mara: This is your key to unlocking romance in Skyrim. You can purchase this amulet from Maramal in Riften—either at the Temple of Mara or the Bee and Barb inn—for 200 gold. Wear it to signal your availability to potential spouses.
Marriage Requirements: Most potential spouses have specific requirements before they’ll consider marriage. These typically include:
- Completing a personal quest or favor
- Reaching a certain level of friendship
- Being a member of a particular faction
The Wedding Ceremony: Once you’ve proposed and been accepted, speak with Maramal again to arrange your wedding at the Temple of Mara. The ceremony takes place the next day at dawn.
Marriage Benefits: After marriage, your spouse will:
- Provide 100 gold daily from their “store”
- Cook meals for you
- Move into your home (or you can move into theirs)
- Some can become followers and fight alongside you
The Ultimate Skyrim Wives Tier List
S-Tier: The Perfect Partners
1. Aela the Huntress
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Complete the Companions questline
Follower: Yes
Aela stands as arguably the best wife in Skyrim for players who value both combat prowess and personality. As a member of the Companions, she’s a skilled archer and werewolf with a level cap of 50, making her viable throughout most of the game. Her independent spirit and love for the hunt make her fascinating to travel with, and her unique dialogue as a Companion adds depth to your relationship.
What sets Aela apart is her versatility—she excels at ranged combat but can hold her own in melee situations. Plus, her connection to the Companions faction provides additional roleplaying opportunities. After marriage, she maintains her sharp wit and adventurous spirit, never becoming the typical “domestic” spouse.
2. Mjoll the Lioness
Location: Riften
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Complete her personal quest about Grimsever
Follower: Yes
Mjoll embodies the ideal Nord warrior—brave, honorable, and fiercely protective. Her quest to recover her sword Grimsever from Mzulf introduces players to one of Skyrim’s more interesting dungeons, and her backstory as a warrior who’s seen too much adds depth to her character.
As a follower, Mjoll is nearly essential—she’s marked as essential herself, meaning she can’t die, making her perfect for players who dislike losing companions in battle. She’s proficient with both two-handed weapons and archery, and her level scales with yours up to 40. Her moral compass and strong sense of justice make her one of Skyrim’s most compelling marriage candidates.
3. Borgakh the Steel Heart
Location: Mor Khazgur Orc Stronghold
Race: Orc
Marriage Requirement: Pay her dowry of 200 gold
Follower: Yes
Borgakh represents the perfect blend of strength and loyalty that makes Orc wives particularly appealing. Unlike many spouses, she can be recruited as a follower immediately upon meeting her, and she comes equipped with full Orcish armor and weapons. Her combat skills are impressive—she’s proficient in heavy armor, block, and two-handed weapons.
What makes Borgakh special is her backstory and the cultural insight she provides into Orc society. Marrying her means helping her escape the traditional Orc path of marrying within her stronghold, adding a layer of narrative depth to your relationship. She’s also one of the few spouses who can actually be useful in a fight throughout the entire game.
A-Tier: Excellent Choices
4. Jenassa
Location: The Drunken Huntsman, Whiterun
Race: Dunmer
Marriage Requirement: Hire her as a follower (500 gold)
Follower: Yes
Jenassa is the perfect choice for players who prefer a darker, more morally flexible companion. This Dunmer mercenary is refreshingly amoral—she won’t judge you for criminal activities and will even assist you in them. Her combat style focuses on archery and dual-wielding, making her versatile in battle.
What sets Jenassa apart is her personality. She’s witty, cynical, and has some of the most entertaining dialogue in the game. As a wife, she maintains her edge while providing all the practical benefits of marriage. Her lack of moral judgment makes her ideal for players who enjoy playing as a more rogue-like character.
5. Brelyna Maryon
Location: College of Winterhold
Race: Dunmer
Marriage Requirement: Complete her experiment quest
Follower: Yes
For magic-focused players, Brelyna is without question the best wife option. As a student at the College of Winterhold, she comes equipped with a variety of spells and can be a powerful magical support in combat. Her quest involves helping her with a magical experiment, which is straightforward and introduces players to the College’s storyline.
Brelyna’s appeal lies in her magical versatility and the unique dynamic she brings as a scholarly spouse. She’s one of the few wives who can effectively use destruction magic, making her invaluable for mage characters. Her sweet, somewhat naive personality contrasts nicely with her magical prowess, creating an interesting character dynamic.
6. Ysolda
Location: Whiterun
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Bring her a mammoth tusk or help her with her trading ambitions
Follower: No
Ysolda represents the perfect merchant spouse—ambitious, intelligent, and economically savvy. While she can’t join you in combat, she makes up for it with her business acumen and charming personality. Her quest involves either bringing her a mammoth tusk or helping her establish trading connections with the Khajiit caravans.
What makes Ysolda special is her entrepreneurial spirit and the economic benefits she provides. As a wife, she generates the standard 100 gold daily, but her background as a merchant suggests she’d be particularly good at managing your household finances. Her dreams of becoming the best trader in Skyrim add a relatable, aspirational quality to her character.
7. Lydia
**Location: Dragonsreach, Whiterun
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Become Thane of Whiterun
Follower: Yes
Lydia is arguably Skyrim’s most famous follower, and she makes an excellent wife for players who value loyalty and familiarity. As your first housecarl, she’s been with you since the beginning of your journey, and marrying her feels like a natural progression of your relationship.
While some players find her “I am sworn to carry your burdens” line repetitive, Lydia’s unwavering loyalty and combat effectiveness make her a solid choice. She’s proficient in heavy armor and one-handed weapons, and her level scales appropriately. As a wife, she maintains her protective nature while providing all the standard marriage benefits.
B-Tier: Solid Options
8. Sylgja
Location: Shor’s Stone
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Deliver her letters to Darkwater Crossing
Follower: No
Sylgja is the quintessential “girl next door” option—humble, hardworking, and genuinely kind. Her quest involves delivering letters to her family, a simple task that reveals her caring nature and strong family values. As a miner in Shor’s Stone, she represents the working-class citizens of Skyrim.
While Sylgja can’t join you in combat, her sweet personality and wholesome backstory make her appealing for players who prefer a more domestic, traditional spouse. Her daily income and home-cooked meals provide practical benefits, and her simple, honest nature offers a refreshing contrast to Skyrim’s more dramatic characters.
9. Uthgerd the Unbroken
Location: The Bannered Mare, Whiterun
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Defeat her in a brawl
Follower: Yes
Uthgerd is perfect for players who appreciate strength and independence in a partner. This tough-as-nails warrior can be found in Whiterun’s tavern, and winning her respect requires defeating her in hand-to-hand combat. Her name “the Unbroken” reflects her resilient spirit and refusal to be defeated.
As a follower, Uthgerd is competent in combat, particularly with two-handed weapons. Her level cap of 30 makes her useful for a significant portion of the game. What makes her interesting as a wife is her no-nonsense attitude and the sense that you’ve earned her respect through combat, creating a foundation of mutual admiration.
10. Senna
Location: Temple of Dibella, Markarth
Race: Breton
Marriage Requirement: Complete “The Heart of Dibella” quest
Follower: No
Senna offers a unique spiritual dimension to marriage in Skyrim. As a priestess of Dibella, the goddess of love and beauty, she brings a sense of romance and artistry to your relationship. Her quest involves the Temple of Dibella’s secrets, introducing players to Markarth’s more colorful aspects.
While Senna can’t fight alongside you, her role as a priestess provides interesting roleplaying opportunities. Her calm, spiritual nature offers a peaceful contrast to Skyrim’s violence, and her connection to Dibella suggests she’d be particularly attentive and loving as a spouse. For players who enjoy the roleplaying aspects of marriage, Senna is an excellent choice.
C-Tier: Niche Appeal
11. Shahvee
Location: Windhelm docks
Race: Argonian
Marriage Requirement: Complete her personal quest
Follower: No
Shahvee stands out as Skyrim’s only marriageable Argonian woman, making her a unique choice for players who want something different. Despite facing discrimination in Windhelm, she maintains an optimistic outlook and works hard as a dock worker. Her quest involves helping her recover a stolen heirloom, revealing her connection to her family and heritage.
What makes Shahvee appealing is her resilience and positive attitude in the face of adversity. As a wife, she provides the standard benefits while offering a glimpse into Argonian culture and the challenges they face in Skyrim. Her unique appearance and cultural background make her an interesting choice for players looking to explore different aspects of the game’s world.
12. Camilla Valerius
Location: Riverwood Trader
Race: Imperial
Marriage Requirement: Complete “A Lovely Letter” quest in your favor
Follower: No
Camilla is one of the first potential spouses players encounter in Riverwood, making her accessible early in the game. Her quest involves a love triangle between her, Faendal, and Sven, giving players the opportunity to win her affection for themselves. As the co-owner of the Riverwood Trader, she brings business acumen to your marriage.
While Camilla can’t join you in combat, her connection to Riverwood’s trading post provides economic benefits, and her story offers an early-game romance option. Her Imperial heritage adds diversity to your relationship, and her position as a business owner suggests she’d be particularly good at managing household affairs.
13. Dravynea the Stoneweaver
Location: Kynesgrove
Race: Dunmer
Marriage Requirement: Bring her frost salts
Follower: No
Dravynea is perfect for players who appreciate intelligence and magical expertise in a partner. This Dunmer sorceress serves as the town’s magical protector in Kynesgrove, using her alteration magic to prevent mining disasters. Her quest involves bringing her frost salts, a simple task that introduces players to alchemical ingredients.
What makes Dravynea interesting is her magical background and the sense that she’s a powerful mage in her own right. While she can’t join you in combat, her expertise in alteration magic suggests she’d be particularly knowledgeable about magical matters, making her an excellent choice for magic-focused players who want a spouse who understands their craft.
14. Gilfre
Location: Mixwater Mill
Race: Imperial
Marriage Requirement: Chop wood for her
Follower: No
Gilfre represents the hardworking, self-sufficient type of spouse that many players find appealing. As the owner of Mixwater Mill, she’s a capable businesswoman who takes pride in her work. Her quest involves chopping wood for her mill, a simple task that reveals her dedication to her business.
While Gilfre can’t fight alongside you, her role as a mill owner provides economic benefits, and her self-sufficient nature suggests she’d be particularly good at managing household affairs. Her Imperial heritage adds diversity to your relationship, and her position as a business owner makes her an interesting choice for players who appreciate industrious partners.
15. Ria
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Race: Imperial
Marriage Requirement: Complete the Companions questline
Follower: Yes
Ria is one of the newer members of the Companions, and her enthusiasm for the warrior’s life makes her an appealing choice for players who value passion and dedication. As an Imperial among Nords, she brings cultural diversity to the Companions and has an interesting perspective on their traditions.
As a follower, Ria is competent with one-handed weapons and has a decent level cap. What makes her interesting as a wife is her relative newness to the Companions and her fresh perspective on their way of life. For players who enjoy the Companions storyline, marrying Ria feels like a natural extension of that narrative.
D-Tier: Specialized Choices
16. Viola Giordano
Location: Candlehearth Hall, Windhelm
Race: Imperial
Marriage Requirement: Complete “That Was Always There” quest
Follower: No
Viola is perfect for players who appreciate intelligence and civic-mindedness in a partner. This Imperial noblewoman is deeply concerned with the welfare of Windhelm’s citizens, particularly the poor and oppressed. Her quest involves exposing corruption in the city, revealing her commitment to justice.
While Viola can’t join you in combat, her noble background and concern for social justice make her an interesting choice for players who enjoy political roleplaying. Her position in Windhelm society provides unique insights into the city’s politics, and her moral compass suggests she’d be particularly principled as a spouse.
17. Iona
**Location: The Blue Palace, Solitude
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Become Thane of Haafingar
Follower: Yes
Iona serves as your housecarl in Solitude after you become Thane of Haafingar, making her a natural choice for players who spend time in the city. As a housecarl, she’s sworn to protect you, creating a foundation of loyalty that extends naturally into marriage.
As a follower, Iona is competent in combat with one-handed weapons and heavy armor. What makes her interesting is her position in Solitude’s high society and the sense that marrying her connects you to the city’s political elite. For players who enjoy the political aspects of Skyrim, Iona provides a link to Solitude’s power structure.
18. Jordis the Sword-Maiden
Location: Proudspire Manor, Solitude
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Become Thane of Haafingar
Follower: Yes
Jordis is your housecarl in Solitude and bears a striking resemblance to Lydia, leading many players to call her “Lydia with a different haircut.” As a housecarl, she’s sworn to protect you, and her combat skills make her a valuable follower.
What makes Jordis appealing is her combination of combat effectiveness and the convenience of having a spouse who’s already your housecarl. Her proficiency with archery and one-handed weapons makes her versatile in battle, and her position in Solitude provides connections to the city’s high society. For players who spend time in Solitude, Jordis is a practical and effective choice.
19. Njada Stonearm
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Complete the Companions questline
Follower: No
Njada is one of the more complex Companions, initially appearing hostile toward the player but gradually warming up as you prove yourself. Her journey from skepticism to acceptance makes her an interesting character study, and her proficiency in block and one-handed weapons suggests she’s a capable warrior.
While Njada can’t join you in combat after marriage, her character development throughout the Companions questline makes her an interesting choice for players who appreciate narrative depth. Her initial hostility and eventual acceptance create a satisfying character arc that extends into your marriage.
20. Avrusa Sarethi
Location: Sarethi Farm, The Rift
Race: Dunmer
Marriage Requirement: Complete “Smooth Jazbay” quest
Follower: No
Avrusa is perfect for players who appreciate agricultural life and the simpler things in Skyrim. This Dunmer farmer runs Sarethi Farm with her husband, and her quest involves helping her cultivate Jazbay grapes, revealing her dedication to her craft.
While Avrusa can’t join you in combat, her role as a farmer provides unique economic benefits, and her knowledge of agriculture suggests she’d be particularly good at managing a household with garden space. For players who enjoy the farming aspects of Skyrim or roleplay as landowners, Avrusa is an excellent choice.
21. Orla
Location: Temple of Dibella, Markarth
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Complete “The Heart of Dibella” quest
Follower: No
Orla offers a spiritual alternative to Senna as a priestess of Dibella. While she shares Senna’s connection to the goddess of love and beauty, Orla has a different personality and perspective on her faith. Her quest is the same as Senna’s, but her interpretation of Dibella’s teachings provides variety.
What makes Orla interesting is her unique take on Dibella’s worship and the different roleplaying opportunities she provides. For players who want a spiritual spouse but prefer Orla’s particular interpretation of Dibella’s faith, she’s an excellent choice that offers variety from the more standard priestess options.
22. Taerie
Location: The Drunken Huntsman, Whiterun
Race: Wood Elf
Marriage Requirement: Hire her as a follower (500 gold)
Follower: Yes
Taerie is one of the less well-known followers in Whiterun, making her a hidden gem for players who want something different. As a Wood Elf, she brings racial diversity to your relationship, and her archery skills make her a competent follower.
What makes Taerie appealing is her relative obscurity and the sense that you’ve discovered a hidden gem. While she doesn’t have the elaborate backstory of some other spouses, her Wood Elf heritage and archery skills make her an interesting choice for players who appreciate racial diversity and ranged combat support.
23. Annekke Crag-Jumper
Location: Darkwater Crossing
Race: Nord
Marriage Requirement: Complete her personal quest
Follower: No
Annekke is a retired adventurer who now lives a quieter life in Darkwater Crossing. Her quest involves helping her with one final adventure, revealing her past as a capable explorer and her current desire for peace.
What makes Annekke interesting is her backstory as an adventurer and the sense that she’s chosen a quieter life after years of excitement. For players who roleplay as adventurers themselves, marrying Annekke creates an interesting dynamic between someone who’s been there and someone who’s still in the thick of it. Her experience and wisdom make her a valuable companion in more ways than one.
24. Pantea Ateia
Location: Bards College, Solitude
Race: Imperial
Marriage Requirement: Complete her personal quest about her flute
Follower: No
Pantea is perfect for players who appreciate the arts and cultural aspects of Skyrim. As a teacher at the Bards College, she’s dedicated to preserving musical traditions and educating the next generation of bards. Her quest involves recovering her stolen flute, revealing her passion for music.
While Pantea can’t join you in combat, her position at the Bards College provides unique cultural insights, and her dedication to music suggests she’d bring artistic sensibility to your marriage. For players who enjoy the cultural and artistic aspects of Skyrim, Pantea is an excellent choice that adds depth to your roleplaying experience.
25. Idrabella
Location: Temple of Dibella, Markarth
Race: Breton
Marriage Requirement: Complete “The Heart of Dibella” quest
Follower: No
Idrabella completes the trio of Dibella priestesses in Markarth, offering yet another interpretation of the goddess’s teachings. While she shares the same quest as Senna and Orl, her unique personality and approach to her faith provide variety for players interested in spiritual spouses.
What makes Idrabella interesting is her particular take on Dibella worship and the different roleplaying opportunities she provides. For players who want a spiritual spouse but prefer Idrabella’s specific interpretation of the faith, she’s an excellent choice that offers yet another option in Markarth’s Temple of Dibella.
Practical Marriage Tips
Beyond choosing the right wife, here are some practical tips to make the most of marriage in Skyrim:
Home Selection: Consider where you want to live. Some wives come with their own homes (like Ysolda in Whiterun or Camilla in Riverwood), while others will move into your purchased property. Breezehome in Whiterun is often considered the most convenient starter home due to its central location.
Follower Management: If your wife can also be a follower, remember that she’ll return home if dismissed for too long. Plan your adventures accordingly to avoid losing track of your spouse.
Economic Benefits: While 100 gold daily isn’t much, it adds up over time. Some wives like Ysolda and Camilla have additional economic benefits due to their merchant backgrounds.
Roleplaying Opportunities: Consider how your choice of spouse fits into your character’s story. A warrior might prefer Aela or Mjoll, while a mage might prefer Brelyna or Dravynea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I marry multiple people in Skyrim? No, you can only be married to one person at a time. However, you can divorce your current spouse by speaking to Maramal in Riften, though this option isn’t available in vanilla Skyrim without mods.
What happens if my wife dies? If your wife dies, you’ll receive a letter of inheritance and can remarry. However, essential followers like Mjoll cannot die, making them safer choices for long-term marriages.
Can I marry same-gender characters in Skyrim? Yes, Skyrim’s marriage system is completely gender-blind. Any marriageable character can be married by any player character regardless of gender or race.
Do children affect marriage benefits? Adopting children through the Hearthfire DLC doesn’t affect your spouse’s daily income or other benefits, but it does add new roleplaying opportunities and the need for a larger home with children’s beds.
Can my wife be killed in combat? Only if she’s a non-essential follower. Essential characters like Mjoll cannot die, while others like Aela can be killed if you’re not careful in battle.
Conclusion
Choosing the best wife in Skyrim ultimately depends on your playstyle and roleplaying preferences. Whether you’re looking for a fierce warrior companion like Aela or Mjoll, a magical partner like Brelyna, or a sweet domestic spouse like Sylgja, there’s someone for every type of Dragonborn.
The beauty of Skyrim’s marriage system lies in its variety and the way it enhances the game’s roleplaying aspects. Your choice of spouse says something about your character—are they drawn to strength and adventure, or do they prefer peace and domesticity? Do they value combat prowess, magical knowledge, or economic stability?
By considering each potential wife’s unique qualities, combat abilities, and personality traits, you can find the perfect partner to accompany you on your adventures across Skyrim’s frozen landscape. Remember that the best wife is ultimately the one who best complements your playstyle and enhances your enjoyment of this incredible game.