Stardew Valley marriage is one of the most rewarding long-term goals in the game. Beyond farming and mining, choosing a spouse adds new storylines, perks, and daily help around the farm. This guide is gonna tell you how marriage works, all 12 candidates, best gifts, and even divorce. (Should things go south.) – fully updated for version 1.6.
Abigail
Abigail lives at Pierre's General Store in Pelican Town.
Emily
Her home is south of the town square, right next to Jodi's house
Haley
Haley lives with her sister Emily, and together they care for their parents' home
Maru
Maru lives north of town with her family in a house attached to Robin's carpenter shop.
Penny
Her trailer is just east of the center of town, west of the river.
Leah
Leah lives in a small cottage outside Pelican Town.
Alex
Alex lives in the house southeast of Pierre's General Store.
Harvey
Harvey runs the town's medical clinic and is passionate about the health of the townsfolk.
Shane
Shane lives at Marnie's Ranch in Pelican Town.
Elliot
Elliott lives on the beach south of Pelican Town.
Sam
Sam lives in the southern part of town, just north of the river at 1 Willow Lane.
Sebastian
Sebastian lives in The Mountains just north of Pelican Town.
How to Get Married in Stardew Valley (Step-by-Step)
1. Reach 8 Hearts with a Candidate
Once you’ve chosen the villager that you’d like to seduce, it’s time to build some rapport. Talk to them daily and give them gifts (up to 2 per week). Loved gifts give the biggest boost, and birthday gifts give 8x friendship points.
2. Buy a Bouquet
Once you hit 8 hearts, Pierre will mail you a letter letting you know that you can come to the General Store to purchase a bouquet for 200g. Giving this to your potential partner officially starts your dating and unlocks hearts 9 & 10.
3. Upgrade Your Farmhouse
You must upgrade your house at least one time before attempting marriage. Without doing so, the Old Mariner won’t sell you the pendant needed to propose. (10,000g +450 wood)
4. Reach 10 Hearts
Continue gifting and talking to your partner until you reach the maximum pre-marriage heart level.
5. Buy the Mermaid's Pendant
Visit the Old Mariner on a rainy day at the eastern tide pools to purchase the Mermaid’s Pendant. The pendant costs 5,000g. He Only appears if:
- It’s raining
- You repaired the beach bridge (300 wood)
- Your house is upgraded
- You’re at 10 hearts
6. Propose
Give the Mermaid’s pendant to your partner and upon acceptance, the wedding will automatically be scheduled for 3 calendar days later.
Married Life
Once married, your spouse:
- Moves into your farmhouse
- Adds a personalized room
- Helps with chores (watering crops, feeding animals, fixing fences)
- Gives morning gifts
- Unlocks new heart events up to 14 hearts
- Can have children with you (if you choose)
- Honeymoon period for smoother early marriage dynamics
Divorce in Stardew Valley
If things go south, you can divorce at Mayor Lewis’s house for 50,000g.
Tips for Choosing the Best Spouse
While “best” is subjective, here are common picks:
Best for Farm Efficiency
- Maru – Helpful and consistent
- Harvey – Reliable daily boosts
- Emily – Great morning gifts
Best Personality / Storyline
- Abigail – Fan favorite, adventurous
- Sebastian – Strong character arc
- Leah – Emotional depth and artistic charm
Best Early-Game Gifts
- Shane – Easy loved gifts (Hot Pepper)
- Sam – Pizza is simple to obtain
Marriage in Stardew Valley is simple once you know the steps — build hearts, give loved gifts, upgrade your home, and propose with the Mermaid’s Pendant. Every spouse offers different perks and personality, so the best choice depends on how you like to play. No matter who you pick, marriage adds more story, more help around the farm, and more life to Pelican Town.
