In order to marry Lydia in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you must first purchase Breezehome, a house located in the city of Whiterun. Breezehome is one of the available homes for purchase in the game, and it serves as the prerequisite for marriage with Lydia.
To acquire Breezehome, you will need to complete a few tasks. Firstly, you must complete the main storyline quest “Bleak Falls Barrow,” which is given to you by Jarl Balgruuf the Greater in Whiterun. This quest involves retrieving the Dragonstone from the ancient Nordic ruin, and it marks a pivotal point in the game’s main storyline.
After completing “Bleak Falls Barrow,” you will be rewarded with the title of Thane of Whiterun. This honor allows you to purchase property within the city, including Breezehome. To officially become Thane, you must assist the people of Whiterun by completing various tasks and quests for them.
Once you have completed the necessary requirements to become Thane of Whiterun, you can approach Proventus Avenicci, the steward of Jarl Balgruuf, to inquire about purchasing Breezehome. He will ask you for a sum of 5,000 gold, which you will need to pay to obtain the house. Upon payment, you will be the proud owner of Breezehome and can proceed with marrying Lydia.
It is worth noting that Lydia herself is also connected to the Jarl of Whiterun. She is initially assigned to you as a housecarl, a personal bodyguard, by Jarl Balgruuf. As you progress through the game and establish your relationship with Lydia, you can eventually ask her to marry you. However, this can only happen after you have purchased Breezehome and made it your home.
In terms of gameplay, having a house like Breezehome provides a stable and secure location for your character to live, store items, and rest. It also serves as a prerequisite for marriage with Lydia or any other eligible candidate in the game. Once married, Lydia will cook a Homecooked Meal for you once a day, which will regenerate your Stamina, Health, and Magicka.
Buying Breezehome in Whiterun is a necessary step if you want to marry Lydia in Skyrim. It is an integral part of the game’s mechanics and storyline progression. By completing the main quest “Bleak Falls Barrow” and assisting the people of Whiterun, you can become Thane and purchase Breezehome, unlocking the option to marry Lydia and enjoy the benefits of her cooking skills.