Marriage Candidates Guide
TL;DR
Stardew Valley features 12 marriage candidates: 6 bachelors (Alex, Elliott, Harvey, Sam, Sebastian, Shane) and 6 bachelorettes (Abigail, Emily, Haley, Leah, Maru, Penny). Marriage requires 10 hearts friendship, all 5 heart events, a Bouquet (200g from Pierre), and a Mermaid’s Pendant (5,000g from Old Mariner). Each spouse has unique loved gifts, daily schedules, and spouse perks like cooking breakfast or helping with farm chores. The Rabbit’s Foot is the closest universal loved gift for all candidates. After marriage, spouses move into the farmhouse and can have up to two children.
Stardew Valley features 12 marriage candidates: 6 bachelors and 6 bachelorettes. Each has a unique personality, story, preferences, and daily schedule. This guide covers each candidate in extreme detail, including their complete gift preferences, heart event summaries, and what they do after marriage.
What Are the Marriage Requirements?
Before diving into individual candidates, here are the universal requirements for marriage:
- Reach 10 hearts of friendship
- See all 5 heart events (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hearts)
- Give them a Bouquet (purchased from Pierre’s for 200g after reaching 8 hearts)
- Give them a Mermaid’s Pendant (purchased from the Old Mariner on the beach for 5,000g, available after 10 hearts and the beach bridge is repaired)
After marriage, your spouse moves into your farmhouse. You can have up to two children.
Who Are the Bachelor Candidates?
Who is Alex?
Alex is an athletic young man who dreams of becoming a professional gridball player. He lives with his grandparents, George and Evelyn, and works as a lifeguard at the community pool in summer.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Summer 13 |
| Schedule | Morning: house/yard. Afternoon: beach (lifeguard in summer). Evening: house. |
| Loved Gifts | Complete Breakfast, Salmon Dinner, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Coffee, Pizza, Tortilla, Spicy Eel, Wheat Flour, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | Holly, All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Alex is practicing gridball alone. He talks about his dream of going pro. |
| 4 | Alex reveals his parents abandoned him. He shows vulnerability about his past. |
| 6 | Alex is studying in his room. He talks about wanting to make his grandparents proud. |
| 8 | Alex takes you to the beach at sunset. He opens up about his feelings. |
| 10 | Alex confesses his love at the mountain lake. |
| 14 | Alex brings you a child or discusses having children. |
Spouse Perks: Alex occasionally makes you a Complete Breakfast in the morning. He helps water crops and feed animals.
Spouse Room: Sports-themed room with a gridball, weights, and a trophy case.
Who is Elliott?
Elliott is a poet and writer who lives alone in a small cabin on the beach. He is refined, romantic, and sometimes feels isolated.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Fall 5 |
| Schedule | Morning: cabin (writing). Afternoon: beach/town. Evening: cabin or saloon. |
| Loved Gifts | Duck Feather, Lobster, Pomegranate, Crab Cakes, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Crab, Octopus, Shrimp, Oyster, Clam, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Elliott is struggling with writer’s block on the beach. |
| 4 | Elliott shows you his cabin and reads from his journal. |
| 6 | Elliott talks about feeling isolated and disconnected from the town. |
| 8 | Elliott writes a poem about you and reads it aloud. |
| 10 | Elliott confesses his love on the beach at sunset. |
| 14 | Elliott discusses his latest book and family plans. |
Spouse Perks: Elliott occasionally leaves a cup of coffee for you in the morning. He helps with farm chores.
Spouse Room: Library-themed room with bookshelves, a desk, and a writing area.
Who is Harvey?
Harvey is the town doctor. He is calm, caring, and has a passion for aviation. He runs the clinic in Pelican Town.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Winter 14 |
| Schedule | Morning: clinic. Afternoon: clinic or town. Evening: saloon or clinic. |
| Loved Gifts | Coffee, Pickles, Super Meal, Truffle Oil, Wine, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Bread, Rice Pudding, Sashimi, Chocolate Cake, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Harvey is examining a patient at the clinic. |
| 4 | Harvey takes you for a ride in his helicopter. He shares his passion for flying. |
| 6 | Harvey talks about his concerns for the player’s health and lifestyle. |
| 8 | Harvey prepares a special picnic on the mountain. |
| 10 | Harvey confesses his feelings at the clinic. |
| 14 | Harvey discusses work-life balance and family. |
Spouse Perks: Harvey occasionally makes you a healthy breakfast. He helps with chores and reminds you to take care of yourself.
Spouse Room: Medical-themed room with a bookshelf, desk, and medical equipment.
Who is Sam?
Sam is a musician who plays guitar and dreams of starting a band. He is friendly, outgoing, and loves skateboarding.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Summer 17 |
| Schedule | Morning: house. Afternoon: town/saloon. Evening: house or Sebastian’s room (band practice). |
| Loved Gifts | Cactus Fruit, Maple Bar, Pizza, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Joja Cola, Glowstone, Quartz, Hockey Stick, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Sam is skateboarding in town. He talks about his band. |
| 4 | Sam invites you to band practice with Sebastian. |
| 6 | Sam talks about his father’s military service and his worries. |
| 8 | Sam plays a song he wrote for you on his guitar. |
| 10 | Sam confesses his feelings at the beach. |
| 14 | Sam discusses the band’s future and family plans. |
Spouse Perks: Sam occasionally plays guitar for you in the morning. He helps with farm chores.
Spouse Room: Music-themed room with a guitar, drum kit, and band posters.
Who is Sebastian?
Sebastian is an introverted programmer who works from home in the basement of his stepfather’s house (Robin’s carpentry shop). He is into motorcycles, coding, and the supernatural.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Winter 10 |
| Schedule | Morning: basement room. Afternoon: mountain lake (motorcycle) or saloon. Evening: basement or Sam’s house. |
| Loved Gifts | Frozen Tear, Pumpkin Soup, Sashimi, Void Egg, Frog Egg, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Quartz, Eggplant Parmesan, Pumpkin, Coffee, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | Holly, All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Sebastian is working on his computer in the basement. |
| 4 | Sebastian shows you his motorcycle and talks about leaving the valley. |
| 6 | Sebastian takes you to the mountain lake at night. He opens up about feeling trapped. |
| 8 | Sebastian invites you to play video games in his room. |
| 10 | Sebastian confesses his feelings in the rain outside his house. |
| 14 | Sebastian discusses his career and future with you. |
Spouse Perks: Sebastian occasionally makes you coffee in the morning. He helps with farm chores and sometimes brings home items from his motorcycle rides.
Spouse Room: Tech-themed room with a computer desk, motorcycle model, and dark lighting.
Who is Shane?
Shane works at Joja Mart and struggles with depression and alcoholism. He lives with his aunt Marnie and helps care for her chickens.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Spring 20 |
| Schedule | Morning: Marnie’s house. Afternoon: Joja Mart (or community center). Evening: saloon. |
| Loved Gifts | Beer, Hot Pepper, Pizza, Pepper Poppers, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Coffee, Joja Cola, Egg, Pepper, Wild Seeds, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Shane is drinking at the saloon. He is dismissive and rude. |
| 4 | Shane is feeding chickens at Marnie’s. He shows a slightly softer side. |
| 6 | Shane has a breakdown on the mountain cliff. This is the most emotional event in the game. |
| 8 | Shane takes you to the gridball field and talks about his favorite team. |
| 10 | Shane confesses his feelings at the kitchen in Marnie’s house. |
| 14 | Shane discusses his recovery and future with you. |
Spouse Perks: Shane occasionally makes you a beer in the morning. He helps with farm chores and is surprisingly hardworking.
Spouse Room: Sports-themed room with a gridball poster, mini fridge, and game console.
Who Are the Bachelorette Candidates?
Who is Abigail?
Abigail is adventurous and loves the supernatural. She plays the flute and dreams of adventure. She lives at the general store with her parents, Pierre and Caroline.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Fall 3 |
| Schedule | Morning: general store or room. Afternoon: forest, mountains, or mines. Evening: room or saloon. |
| Loved Gifts | Amethyst, Chocolate, Pumpkin Pie, Spicy Eel, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Quartz, Cave Carrot, Copper Ore, Iron Ore, Coal, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates (Abigail is still affected by universal hated gifts) |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Abigail is playing her flute in the rain near the mine. |
| 4 | Abigail shows you a secret room in the mine where she practices sword fighting. |
| 6 | Abigail invites you to play games at the saloon. |
| 8 | Abigail takes you to the mountain at night to look at the stars. |
| 10 | Abigail confesses her feelings at the mine entrance. |
| 14 | Abigail discusses her adventures and family plans. |
Spouse Perks: Abigail occasionally brings you a monster item from her adventures. She helps with farm chores.
Spouse Room: Adventure-themed room with a sword display, game console, and purple decorations.
Who is Emily?
Emily is creative, spiritual, and works as a bartender at the saloon. She is Abigail’s older sister and loves sewing and meditation.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Spring 27 |
| Schedule | Morning: room or saloon. Afternoon: saloon or town. Evening: saloon. |
| Loved Gifts | Aquamarine, Cloth, Emerald, Ruby, Topaz, Wool, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Amethyst, Blue Jazz, Cloth, Fiber, Quartz, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Emily is meditating in her room. |
| 4 | Emily shows you her sewing projects and talks about her spiritual beliefs. |
| 6 | Emily takes you to the beach to watch the sunset. She talks about her dreams. |
| 8 | Emily makes you a custom outfit and talks about her feelings. |
| 10 | Emily confesses her feelings in her room surrounded by crystals. |
| 14 | Emily discusses her creative projects and family. |
Spouse Perks: Emily occasionally makes you a special meal. She helps with farm chores and sometimes sews clothing.
Spouse Room: Spiritual-themed room with crystals, a sewing machine, and colorful decorations.
Who is Haley?
Haley is fashion-conscious and loves photography. She can seem superficial at first but reveals more depth through her events.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Spring 14 |
| Schedule | Morning: house. Afternoon: beach or town. Evening: house or saloon. |
| Loved Gifts | Coconut, Fruit Salad, Pink Cake, Sunflower, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Daffodil, Flower Salad, Fruit Salad, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Haley is taking photos on the beach. She is dismissive. |
| 4 | Haley loses her favorite bracelet in the kitchen. Help her find it. |
| 6 | Haley opens up about feeling lonely and misunderstood. |
| 8 | Haley shows you her hidden artistic side - she has been painting. |
| 10 | Haley confesses her feelings on the beach at sunset. |
| 14 | Haley discusses her personal growth and family plans. |
Spouse Perks: Haley occasionally makes you a meal in the morning. She helps with farm chores.
Spouse Room: Photography-themed room with a camera, photo albums, and floral decorations.
Who is Leah?
Leah is an artist who loves nature and creates sculptures. She lives alone in a cottage south of the farm and values creativity and self-expression.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Spring 23 |
| Schedule | Morning: cottage. Afternoon: town, forest, or beach. Evening: cottage or saloon. |
| Loved Gifts | Goat Cheese, Salad, Truffle, Wine, Poppyseed Muffin, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Dandelion, Driftwood, Leek, Milk, Morel, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Leah is working on a sculpture in her cottage. |
| 4 | Leah shows you her art and talks about leaving her old life in the city. |
| 6 | Leah has an argument with her ex-partner who visits the valley. |
| 8 | Leah takes you to the forest to show you her favorite spot. |
| 10 | Leah confesses her feelings at her cottage. |
| 14 | Leah discusses her art career and future together. |
Spouse Perks: Leah occasionally makes you a salad in the morning. She helps with farm chores and creates nature-inspired art.
Spouse Room: Art-themed room with sculptures, an easel, and natural wood decorations.
Who is Maru?
Maru is scientific-minded and works as an inventor. She lives with her parents, Demetrius and Robin, and dreams of becoming an astronaut or scientist.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Summer 10 |
| Schedule | Morning: house or clinic. Afternoon: house (lab) or clinic. Evening: house or saloon. |
| Loved Gifts | Cauliflower, Cheese, Coffee, Miner’s Treat, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Battery Pack, Cauliflower, Cheese, Coffee, Solar Essence, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Maru is working on an invention in her room. |
| 4 | Maru shows you her telescope and talks about space exploration. |
| 6 | Maru talks about feeling overshadowed by her half-brother Sebastian. |
| 8 | Maru takes you to the mountain to stargaze. |
| 10 | Maru confesses her feelings at her laboratory. |
| 14 | Maru discusses her scientific career and family. |
Spouse Perks: Maru occasionally makes you coffee in the morning. She helps with farm chores and sometimes brings home scientific items.
Spouse Room: Science-themed room with a telescope, lab equipment, and bookshelves.
Who is Penny?
Penny is kind and tutors the local children, Jas and Vincent. She lives in a trailer with her mother, Pam. She dreams of a better life.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Fall 2 |
| Schedule | Morning: trailer or museum (teaching). Afternoon: town or trailer. Evening: trailer or saloon. |
| Loved Gifts | Diamond, Emerald, Melon, Poppyseed Muffin, Sandfish, Rabbit’s Foot, Golden Pumpkin, Magic Rock Candy, Pearl, Prismatic Shard |
| Liked Gifts | Casserole, Coffee, Melon, Poppyseed Muffin, Root Vegetable Platter, All universal likes |
| Disliked Gifts | All universal dislikes |
| Hated Gifts | All universal hates |
Heart Events:
| Hearts | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| 2 | Penny is reading to Jas and Vincent at the museum. |
| 4 | Penny talks about her difficult home life with Pam. |
| 6 | Penny is upset after Pam drinks too much. She confides in you. |
| 8 | Penny takes you to the community garden she has been tending. |
| 10 | Penny confesses her feelings at the trailer. |
| 14 | Penny discusses her teaching and hopes for the future. |
Spouse Perks: Penny occasionally makes you a poppyseed muffin in the morning. She helps with farm chores and continues tutoring.
Spouse Room: Teaching-themed room with a bookshelf, desk, and children’s drawings.
What Happens After Marriage?
After marriage, your spouse will:
- Move into your farmhouse and add their personal room
- Help with chores - watering crops, feeding animals, repairing fences
- Cook breakfast occasionally - each spouse has a unique dish they may make
- Give you a Stardrop at 12.5 hearts (only once)
- Allow you to have children - ask “Do you want to have/try for a baby?” after the nursery upgrade
- Stay indoors on rainy days and go to bed at a reasonable hour
- Get jealous if you give a bouquet to another marriage candidate (lose 30 friendship)
- Go back to their old room if friendship drops to 0 hearts (divorce is possible)
How to Get a Divorce?
If you want to end a marriage, you can use the small booklet on the nightstand in Mayor Lewis’s bedroom at the Mayor’s Manor. This costs 50,000g. The divorce takes effect the next morning, and your ex-spouse’s friendship resets to 0 hearts.
Data Sources: All game data in this guide is based on the official Stardew Valley Wiki and verified against game version 1.6.