The Complete Guide To Getting Married In Skyrim On Ps3 Step By Step Tips And Tricks

Getting married in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is more than just a gameplay feature—it’s a meaningful way to deepen immersion, gain practical benefits, and celebrate role-playing achievements. On the PS3 version of the game, where controller navigation and interface limitations can slow progress, knowing exactly what to do—and how to do it efficiently—can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of marrying your chosen companion in Skyrim on PS3, from meeting prerequisites to walking down the virtual aisle.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you can even consider marriage, several conditions must be met. These are consistent across all versions of Skyrim, including the PS3 edition.

• Level Requirement: You must be at least level 10 to purchase a house in most major cities.
• Own a Home: You need to own a player home with a bedroom. Available options include:
  • Breezehome in Whiterun (must join The Companions)
  • Honeymead Hall in Morthal
  • Vlindrel Hall in Markarth
  • The Pawned Prawn in Solitude (after completing “Silver Lining” quest)
  • Hjerim in Windhelm (requires Thane status and gold)
• Amulet of Mara: This key item enables romance interactions. It can be purchased from Maramal in Riften for 200 gold after speaking with him about love and marriage.

Tip: Equip the Amulet of Mara immediately after buying it. It signals to NPCs that you're open to relationships.

Step 2: Choose Your Future Spouse

Skyrim allows marriage to select NPCs only. Not every character is eligible, and some require specific quests or faction affiliations. Below is a list of the most popular and accessible marriage candidates on PS3:

Name	Location	Requirements	Special Perk
Aela the Huntress	Jorrvaskr, Whiterun	Join The Companions, complete \"Purity of Revenge\"	Can turn into a werewolf
Mjoll the Lioness	Riften	None (radiant quests may affect availability)	Home storage and training
Serana	Volkihar Clan or after Dawnguard DLC	Complete Dawnguard questline	Vampire Lord abilities
Lydia	Whiterun	Become Thane of Whiterun	Free follower
Shaleena	Markarth	None	Alchemy discounts

“Marriage in Skyrim isn’t just cosmetic—it adds emotional weight to your journey and unlocks useful perks like shared homes and followers.” — Daniel Lee, RPG Game Designer & Skyrim Enthusiast

Step 3: Build Affinity with Your Chosen Partner

Even with the Amulet of Mara equipped, not every eligible NPC will propose marriage right away. You must build rapport through dialogue, gift-giving, and shared experiences.

To increase affinity:

1. Initiate Conversation: Approach the NPC and engage in dialogue. If they mention being single or express interest in romance, you're on the right track.
2. Give Gifts: Present them with jewelry, food, or flowers. Avoid giving weapons or stolen items, as these don’t improve affection.
3. Complete Quests Together: Take them along as a follower during radiant or main quests. Shared combat and exploration boost relationship value.
4. Compliment Them: Use positive dialogue options when available. Phrases like “You’re strong” or “I admire your skills” help establish trust.

Tip: Save your game before attempting to initiate a marriage proposal. If the option doesn't appear, reload and try again after more interaction.

Step 4: Initiate the Marriage Quest

Once the NPC recognizes your romantic interest, return to Maramal in the Bee and Barb tavern in Riften. Speak to him while wearing the Amulet of Mara, and he will offer to arrange a formal ceremony.

Follow these steps:

1. Travel to Riften (fast travel if unlocked).
2. Enter the Bee and Barb and locate Maramal near the back room.
3. Select the dialogue option: “I’d like to get married.”
4. Choose your intended spouse from the list of eligible characters who have accepted your advances.
5. Agree to the ceremony terms. Maramal will schedule the wedding for the next in-game morning.

The ceremony takes place outdoors behind the Bee and Barb. Attend on time—arriving late won’t cancel the event, but it breaks immersion. During the ceremony, you’ll exchange vows with your partner while Maramal officiates.

Step 5: Enjoy the Benefits of Marriage

After saying “I do,” your new spouse offers tangible advantages:

• Home Management: They move into your house and can manage a chest for shared storage.
• Follower Option: Some spouses, like Aela or Lydia, can still serve as followers even after marriage.
• Emotional Immersion: Your spouse may comment on your adventures, express concern when injured, or greet you warmly upon return.
• Cooking & Supplies: Most spouses prepare a daily meal for you, restoring stamina and health.

Additionally, you can adopt children by purchasing the “Hearthfire” DLC and building an addition to your home, though this feature is separate from standard marriage mechanics.

Mini Case Study: Marrying Aela on PS3

James, a long-time PS3 Skyrim player, wanted to marry Aela the Huntress. He joined The Companions early but struggled to unlock her as a marriage candidate. After completing the “Glory of the Dead” questline and becoming Harbinger, he equipped the Amulet of Mara and gifted her enchanted jewelry. He saved before speaking to her—only to find she wasn’t ready. He then completed two radiant quests with her as a follower. On his third attempt, she responded positively. He visited Maramal the same day, arranged the wedding, and celebrated under the stars of Riften. Now, Aela follows him into battle and manages his Whiterun home.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Despite its simplicity, players often encounter issues when trying to marry in Skyrim on PS3. Here are common problems and solutions:

Issue	Do’s	Don’ts
Marriage option not appearing	Ensure Amulet of Mara is equipped; interact multiple times	Don’t assume eligibility without completing required quests
NPC says “I’m not interested”	Give gifts, complete quests together, save and retry	Don’t spam dialogue—wait 24 hours in-game between attempts
Maramal won’t offer ceremony	Confirm spouse has accepted your advances; restart console if stuck	Don’t skip saving after acceptance

FAQ

Can I marry multiple people in Skyrim on PS3?

No. Skyrim only allows one legal marriage per character. Attempting to marry another NPC without using console commands (not available on PS3) will not work. However, you can divorce your current spouse by giving them the “Nightingale Shard” or using mods on PC—this is not possible on PS3.

What happens if my spouse dies?

If your spouse dies, they stay dead unless resurrected via glitches or exploits (not officially supported on PS3). This makes protecting them crucial, especially if they follow you into combat. Consider dismissing them before entering dangerous areas.

Can I get a house without joining a faction?

Yes. Breezehome in Whiterun is purchasable without joining The Companions, though full access to Jorrvaskr requires becoming a member. Honeymead Hall in Morthal and Vlindrel Hall in Markarth are also available through direct purchase once you’ve earned enough gold and achieved Thane status.

Final Checklist: Are You Ready to Marry?

1. ✔️ Reach level 10 or higher
2. ✔️ Purchase and equip the Amulet of Mara
3. ✔️ Own a home with a bedroom
4. ✔️ Choose an eligible NPC and build rapport
5. ✔️ Confirm romantic interest through dialogue
6. ✔️ Visit Maramal in Riften to schedule the wedding
7. ✔️ Attend the ceremony the following morning

Conclusion

Getting married in Skyrim on PS3 is a rewarding experience that enhances both gameplay and storytelling. With the right preparation—owning a home, earning trust, and navigating dialogue trees—you can create a lasting bond with a beloved companion. Whether you seek practical benefits or emotional depth, marriage adds a unique layer to your adventure in Tamriel. Follow this guide, avoid common mistakes, and soon you’ll be exchanging vows beneath the northern skies.

💬 Have you tied the knot in Skyrim? Share your wedding story, favorite spouse, or tips for fellow PS3 players in the comments!