Marriage is one of the most exciting milestones in Stardew Valley. After settling into your farm life, you’ll have the option to build relationships with villagers, eventually leading to marriage and even starting a family. But with 12 marriage candidates—6 bachelors and 6 bachelorettes—many players wonder, who is the best spouse in Stardew Valley?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about marriage, including spouse options, perks, pros and cons, and FAQs, so you can make the perfect choice for your farm life.
How Marriage Works in Stardew Valley
To marry a villager:
- Reach 10 hearts with your chosen bachelor/bachelorette.
- Give them a bouquet (available from Pierre’s General Store after reaching 8 hearts).
- Obtain a Mermaid’s Pendant from the Old Mariner (found on the beach after repairing the bridge, only on rainy days, and when your farmhouse is upgraded at least once).
- Propose and enjoy your wedding ceremony 3 days later!
Marriage allows your spouse to:
- Help with chores (watering crops, feeding animals, repairing fences).
- Cook your meals.
- Add flavor and immersion to your farm life.
Stardew Valley Marriage Candidates
Bachelors
Sebastian—the brooding programmer and motorbike lover.
- Pros: Great gift items (like sashimi), relatable to introverts.
- Cons: Socially withdrawn and can be hard to win over.
Sam—A cheerful musician with big dreams.
- Pros: Upbeat personality, relatable story.
- Cons: Less helpful around the farm compared to others.
Shane—The troubled JojaMart worker who battles depression.
- Pros: Strong redemption arc, relatable character growth.
- Cons: The early storyline can feel heavy for some players.
Elliott—A romantic writer living by the beach.
- Pros: Elegant, charming personality, unique cutscenes.
- Cons: Distant location (far from town).
Harvey—the town doctor, responsible and caring.
- Pros: Stable, mature choice.
- Cons: Some players find him too “serious.”
Alex—the athletic jock with dreams of becoming a pro gridball player.
- Pros: Inspiring backstory, supportive nature.
- Cons: A bit arrogant early on.
Bachelorettes
Abigail—Adventurous and loves video games.
- Pros: Fun personality, joins you in the mines.
- Cons: Rivalry with Pierre (her father) adds tension.
Leah—An artist and nature enthusiast living in a cabin.
- Pros: Peaceful lifestyle, great for outdoor lovers.
- Cons: Prefers solitude, less exciting for some players.
Haley—A fashionable, self-absorbed girl who matures over time.
- Pros: Character growth is rewarding to see.
- Cons: Initially shallow and dismissive.
Maru—intelligent and ambitious, works at the clinic.
- Pros: Smart, supportive, and creates gadgets.
- Cons: Can feel career-focused and less farm-oriented.
Penny—Kind-hearted teacher for local children.
- Pros: Sweet, caring, and great for a family-focused player.
- Cons: Shy and reserved.
Emily—Free-spirited and positive, she loves crystals and tailoring.
- Pros: Wholesome personality, brings joy to farm life.
- Cons: Quirky nature might not appeal to everyone.
Who is the Best Spouse in Stardew Valley?
The “best” spouse depends on what you value most in the game:
- Best for Farm Help: Maru, Shane, and Sebastian often help with chores effectively.
- Best Personality Growth: Haley (from shallow to kind-hearted) and Shane (redemption arc).
- Most Fun/Unique: Abigail (mines adventurer) and Emily (quirky events).
- Most Stable/Loving: Penny, Harvey, and Leah offer calm, family-oriented farm lives.
Ultimately, the choice is personal. Each character has a unique storyline, so the “best” spouse is the one you connect with the most.
Conclusion
Choosing who to marry in Stardew Valley is less about finding the “perfect” spouse and more about discovering which character resonates most with your farming journey. Each bachelor and bachelorette has unique traits, backstories, and perks, making the marriage system one of the most rewarding aspects of the game.
Whether you value emotional depth, fun events, farm efficiency, or simply personal preference, your choice will shape your in-game family life. At the end of the day, the best spouse in Stardew Valley is the one you enjoy spending time with the most—because that’s what makes your farm life truly special.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Can you divorce in Stardew Valley?
Yes. You can divorce your spouse by visiting the Mayor’s Manor and paying 50,000g. If you regret it, you can erase their memory with a Dark Shrine of Memory in the Witch’s Hut.
Can you have children in Stardew Valley?
Yes. After marriage, you can have up to two children—a boy and a girl.
Do spouses get jealous?
Yes. Giving gifts to other marriage candidates after marriage may make your spouse jealous.
Can you marry Krobus?
Yes. While not a traditional marriage, you can have Krobus as a roommate. He doesn’t act as a spouse but still lives with you.
Who is the easiest to marry?
Shane and Leah are considered easier since they enjoy common gifts like beer, pizza (Shane), or salad (Leah).
Final Thoughts
Marriage in Stardew Valley adds depth, charm, and new experiences to your farming adventure. Whether you’re drawn to Abigail’s adventurous spirit, Leah’s peaceful lifestyle, or Sebastian’s mysterious personality, the best spouse is the one who matches your playstyle and personal taste.
So, who should you marry? The answer lies in who makes your farm life feel most complete.
