The Bonds of Matrimony is Skyrim’s wedding quest. It takes place at the Temple of Mara in Riften, in the Rift, where the priest Maramal ties the knot for adventurers who have found someone willing to put up with their dragon-slaying habits. It is short, but it brings some of the most practical perks in the game.
How to start
Visit the Temple of Mara in Riften and talk to Maramal. He tells you about the goddess of love and sells you an Amulet of Mara for 200 gold. Wearing the amulet unlocks a special dialogue option with characters who can be married.
Walkthrough
Find a partner
Not everyone is available straight away. Followers who can be married must first be hired before the option appears. Other candidates open up only after you have completed a quest for them, such as Camilla Valerius after The Golden Claw. Wear the amulet, talk to your chosen partner and pick the marriage option.
Speak to Maramal about arranging your wedding
Once someone has said yes, return to the Temple of Mara and ask Maramal to arrange the ceremony. The wedding usually takes place about 24 hours later.
Attend your wedding ceremony
Be at the temple on time. Maramal performs the ceremony, and afterwards your spouse asks where you will live: in their home or in one of yours. Your spouse then moves there and the quest is done.
Rewards
- A spouse
- The Bond of Matrimony ring
- A home-cooked meal from your spouse once every 24 in-game hours
- A small shop run by your spouse at home, with 100 gold in daily profits that piles up if you do not collect it
- Lover’s Comfort after sleeping near your spouse: all skills improve 15% faster for 8 hours
- A spouse who is also a follower travels with you for free, even if they used to be a paid mercenary
Tips and notes
- Miss your own wedding and you must talk to Maramal to reschedule. Your partner will be hurt and has to be convinced you really mean it.
- If your spouse dies, you cannot marry again.
- A spouse who was already a merchant keeps selling the same goods. Others sell miscellaneous items.
- Characters with beast blood (werewolves) do not get Lover’s Comfort. The Lover Stone provides a permanent version of the bonus instead.
