The Guide to Stardew Valley Marriage Candidates
All 12 Stardew Valley marriage candidates broken down by gift preferences, schedules, heart events, and the marriage requirements to reach the wedding.
Building relationships with stardew valley marriage candidates is a core mechanic that rewards players with house upgrades, daily chores, and unique dialogue. Whether you are aiming for the artistic Leah or the brooding Sebastian, understanding their specific gift tastes and schedules is the most efficient way to reach ten hearts.
Quick Summary / key takeaways
- There are 12 eligible NPCs, split evenly between bachelors and bachelorettes, all requiring a Mermaid's Pendant to propose.
- Universal loves like Prismatic Shards work on almost everyone, but specific items like Salad for Leah or Sashimi for Sebastian are more budget-friendly.
- Marriage unlocks a spouse's room inside your farmhouse and allows them to help with farm tasks like watering crops or feeding animals.
1. The Bachelors of Pelican Town
The six bachelors include Alex, Elliott, Harvey, Sam, Sebastian, and Shane. Shane is a popular choice for beginners because his favorite gift, Beer, can be purchased easily at the Stardrop Saloon for 400g. If you prefer a more refined partner, Elliott resides in the cabin on the beach and loves Crab Cakes, — the recipe airs on The Queen of Sauce on 21 Fall, Year 2.
Remember that Sebastian spends most of his time in his basement room at the Carpenter's Shop. He is particularly fond of Frozen Tears, which you can gather while mining in the lower levels (40-79) of the mines.
2. The Bachelorettes of Pelican Town
The six bachelorettes are Abigail, Emily, Haley, Leah, Maru, and Penny. Abigail is often cited as a fan favorite due to her adventurous spirit; she loves Amethyst, a mineral found in geodes or in the mines starting at floor 1. Leah, who lives in the cottage near Marnie’s Ranch, appreciates Salad, which is a staple item sold at Gus's bar.
If you choose Penny, be mindful that she spends her afternoons tutoring Vincent and Jas at the museum. She loves Diamonds and Emeralds, which can be found by cracking open gems or mining in the deeper cave levels. Always check the calendar outside the Pierre's General Store to avoid missing their birthdays, as gifts given on birthdays provide 8x the friendship points.
Overview of All 12 Marriage Candidates
Below is a quick reference table showing all bachelors and bachelorettes, their birthdays, residences, and top loved gifts:
| Candidate | Role | Birthday | Residence | Top Loved Gifts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane | Bachelor | Spring 20 | Marnie's Ranch | Beer, Pizza, Pepper Poppers |
| Sebastian | Bachelor | Winter 10 | Carpenter's Shop Basement | Frozen Tear, Sashimi, Obsidian |
| Sam | Bachelor | Summer 17 | 1 Willow Lane | Pizza, Cactus Fruit, Maple Bar |
| Alex | Bachelor | Summer 13 | 1 River Road | Complete Breakfast, Salmon Dinner |
| Elliott | Bachelor | Fall 5 | Elliott's Cabin (Beach) | Crab Cakes, Duck Feather, Pomegranate |
| Harvey | Bachelor | Winter 14 | Medical Clinic | Coffee, Pickles, Super Meal |
| Abigail | Bachelorette | Fall 13 | Pierre's General Store | Amethyst, Pumpkin, Chocolate Cake |
| Leah | Bachelorette | Winter 23 | Cottage (Cindersap Forest) | Salad, Goat Cheese, Wine, Truffle |
| Penny | Bachelorette | Fall 2 | Trailer / 2 River Road | Diamond, Emerald, Poppy, Red Plate |
| Haley | Bachelorette | Spring 14 | 2 Willow Lane | Sunflower, Pink Cake, Coconut |
| Emily | Bachelorette | Spring 27 | 2 Willow Lane | Amethyst, Aquamarine, Cloth, Wool |
| Maru | Bachelorette | Summer 10 | Carpenter's Shop | Battery Pack, Diamond, Gold Bar, Iridium Bar |
Giving a loved gift on an NPC's birthday yields eight times the normal friendship points, making birthdays the fastest way to reach maximum affection.
3. Marriage Mechanics and Requirements
To marry, you must reach 8 hearts, purchase the Bouquet from Pierre's General Store for 200g, and give it to your chosen candidate to start dating. Once you reach 10 hearts, you must upgrade your farmhouse at least once to purchase the Mermaid's Pendant from the Old Mariner at the beach during a rainy day.
After marriage, your spouse will move into your house, adding a personalized room to the right side of the main living area. They will occasionally gift you items like Coffee or Fried Eggs, and they will help out by repairing fences or watering crops on your farm.
There is something deeply satisfying about seeing your spouse walk through your farm gate every evening after a long day of working in the mines or tending to your ancient fruit greenhouse.
Related on StardewHub
- Marriage Candidates — gift preferences and heart events for every bachelor and bachelorette.
- Best Gifts Guide — universal loves and budget-friendly picks for any NPC.
- Villager Schedules — where to find your candidate each day.
Updated for Stardew Valley 1.6.