How to Divorce in Skyrim Step by Step

The vast world of Skyrim offers players an incredible amount of freedom, allowing them to battle dragons, join secret guilds, and even settle down to start a family. However, while the game features a detailed marriage system, Bethesda did not include an official or straightforward legal process for ending a marriage. If you find yourself regretting your choice of spouse, you will have to rely on unorthodox methods to break the bond and seek romance elsewhere in the province.

The Developer Console Commands Method

For PC players, the quickest and most efficient way to dissolve a marriage without violence is by utilizing the built-in developer console. To begin this step-by-step process, stand directly in front of your current spouse and press the tilde key to open the command input box. Once the console is active, click on your partner with your mouse to target their unique character ID code before entering any text.

With the spouse selected, type removefac 51596 and press enter to strip away their official marriage faction status. Next, type resetquest RelationshipMarriage followed by setstage RelationshipMarriage 10 to completely wipe the game's memory of your previous wedding ceremony. Finally, drop your original Amulet of Mara from your inventory to ensure the system fully updates your single status.

The Fatal Alternative for All Platforms

Console players on PlayStation and Xbox do not have access to developer commands, meaning their options for ending a marriage are significantly more restricted. In the unmodded vanilla game, the only functional way to free yourself from a marital bond is to permanently eliminate your current spouse. While this dark path is effective, you must carefully consider the local legal consequences and guard presence before taking action inside a city.

To minimize problems, it is usually best to ask your partner to follow you into a remote wilderness location far away from prying eyes. Once you are completely isolated, you can execute the deed without incurring a massive bounty from the hold guards. After your spouse passes away, the game will automatically recognize you as a widow or widower, allowing you to eventually seek out a new partner.

Preparing for a New Marriage Ceremony

Once you have successfully used the console commands or survived the tragic loss of your partner, you must reset your standing to find love again. Travel to the city of Riften and locate Maramal, who can typically be found preaching inside the local tavern or managing the Temple of Mara. Speak with him completely about the customs of marriage in Skyrim to ensure the dialogue options reset properly.

After your conversation, acquire a brand new Amulet of Mara either by purchasing it directly from Maramal or finding one during your travels. Equipping this powerful jewelry acts as a public signal to eligible candidates that you are actively looking for a fresh start. You can then approach any marriageable NPC, complete their personal favors, and begin planning a brand new wedding ceremony.