Who is the Best Stardew Valley Marriage Candidate?

If you’ve spent hours wandering Pelican Town, you know that Stardew Valley isn’t just about farming, it’s about the people. From shy artists to grumpy shopkeepers, every villager has their quirks, charm, and flaws. Whether you’re choosing who to befriend or marry, this guide breaks down every Stardew Valley character with their pros, cons, and personality highlights.

The Bachelors

Abigail

Abigail is the purple-haired free spirit of Pelican Town. She loves video games, exploring the mines, and all things a little spooky. She’s Pierre’s daughter, but she’d rather be out swinging a sword than working in the family shop.

Pros: Fun, adventurous, and full of personality, she’s the kind of partner who’ll fight slimes with you at midnight and still bring you amethyst as a gift.

Cons: Can be a little moody and impulsive, often chasing thrills without thinking them through.

If you’re someone who embodies the “chaotic cozy” lifestyle (wild, independent, and oddly relatable), she’s the perfect marriage candidate for you.

Sebastian

The brooding loner who hides out in his basement, Sebastian spends his days coding, smoking by the lake, and working on his motorcycle. Beneath the aloof exterior lies a sensitive and thoughtful guy who just needs someone patient enough to get close.

Pros: Deep conversations, emotional growth, and a rewarding romance arc once he opens up.

Cons: Distant and withdrawn early on, making him tricky to befriend and smokes, which can be a red flag for some.

Sebastian is perfect for players who love layered, introspective characters, he’s Stardew’s soft-hearted rebel.

Penny

Sweet and selfless, Penny spends her days teaching local kids and caring for her troubled mother. She dreams of a simpler, happier life and genuinely appreciates the small kindnesses you offer.

Pros: Compassionate, nurturing, and humble, a true heart of gold.

Cons: Can be overly serious and weighed down by her responsibilities.

Penny is the emotional anchor of Stardew Valley (gentle, grounded, and deeply caring).

Elliot

Elliott lives in a tiny cabin by the sea, writing novels and waxing poetic about life. He’s the picture of refinement and passion, often quoting his own prose and dreaming of literary fame.

Pros: Romantic, elegant, and loyal, he makes every day feel like a storybook.

Cons: Can come across as dramatic or self-centered at times.

If you adore classic romance and seaside walks, Elliott is your poetic muse.

Leah

An artist who lives in a cozy cabin in the woods, Leah spends her days sculpting, foraging, and living in harmony with nature. She values independence and creativity, preferring quiet mornings and simple joys.

Pros: Down-to-earth, introspective, and nature-loving. Great for cottagecore players.

Cons: Can be private, sometimes keeping her worries to herself.

Leah is the ultimate cozy aesthetic; art, nature, and quiet self-expression. Perfect if you are artistic and nature enthused.

Harvey

Harvey is the town’s doctor; dependable, gentle, and a little shy. He takes his job seriously and genuinely cares about everyone’s well-being.

Pros: Mature, responsible, and stable (the ideal “safe haven” partner).

Cons: Can be a little too reserved, lacking the spark of more outgoing villagers, charges you on your medical bills even if you marry him which can rub players the wrong way.

If you want someone that is fairly calm and can take care of you then Harvey is perfect for you.

Sam

Sam is the laid-back, fun-loving musician who fills Pelican Town with energy. He dreams of making it big with his band but spends most of his days skateboarding and hanging out with friends.

Pros: Upbeat, loyal, and always brings positive energy.

Cons: A bit immature and scattered — not the most reliable.

Sam is perfect for players who love sunshine, laughter, and rock music.

Maru

A brilliant inventor with a love for science, Maru spends her time tinkering in her workshop and building robots. She’s ambitious, clever, and driven but still warm and kind.

Pros: Intelligent, hardworking, and endlessly curious.

Cons: Can be overly focused on her work and hard to impress.

Maru’s mix of intellect and heart makes her a perfect match for thoughtful players.

Shane

Shane starts off gruff, sarcastic, and withdrawn but his character arc is what makes people love him. As you earn his trust, he reveals vulnerability, warmth, and a love for chickens (especially blue!).

Pros: Deep emotional development and heartfelt redemption story.

Cons: Troubled past and is mean to you in the beginning because of this, and when you marry him he won’t have the cleanest room.

Shane’s journey from despair to hope is raw, real, and rewarding. Shane is oddly relatable.

Haley

At first, Haley seems shallow and self-absorbed, but as you get to know her, she surprises you with genuine kindness and personal growth.

Pros: Beautiful character transformation; fun personality once she opens up.

Cons: Initially rude and dismissive.

Haley embodies the joy of change; she’s proof that people can surprise you.

Emily

Emily is the town’s free-spirited, crystal-loving tailor with a deep love for spirituality and creativity. She’s always radiating positivity and believes in finding beauty and magic in everything. Between her dreams, her love for color, and her kind heart, she’s easily one of the most unique residents of Pelican Town.

Pros: Kind, spiritual, and delightfully eccentric — she’s always upbeat and genuinely caring. Her dream sequences and love for crafting add whimsy to every interaction.

Cons: Her eccentricity can be a bit much for players who prefer realism; she’s more about energy and vibes than practicality.

Emily is the human embodiment of cozy magic; crystals, dreams, and kindness wrapped in blue hair and good vibes.

Honorable Mentions

Linus

A kind hermit who lives in a tent north of town. Linus values solitude and simplicity, teaching players that happiness doesn’t come from possessions.

Krobus

A shadow creature who’s gentle, shy, and strangely wholesome. Krobus can become your roommate, proving friendship transcends species.

Ranking & Opinions

The Bachelors

#1 - Penny

I put Penny at number one because I think her character is well written, she feels made for the farmer, she wants the farm life, and she’s truly compassionate and genuine.

Her poor relationship with her mother is extremely relatable and the care for Vincent and Jas to have a good education is beautiful. She’s extremely unproblematic in my eyes.

#2 - Abigail

Although the first interaction with Abigail can be perceived as a tiny bit bitter, as you grow to get to know her, she’s really cool.

She almost reminds me of myself, she too can’t stand Pierre, she’s adventurous and free-spirited, she loves spooky things, she enjoys video games and eating almost anything.. including crystals and minerals and her hair is purple!! So cool!

#3 - Leah

Leah is creative, passionate, and balanced. Her love of creating things is the biggest highlight of her character.

She seems like the type to go foraging in the woods with you and be extremely supportive on whatever the farmer chooses to pursue in life. Kind of similar to Abigail in a sense, but instead, Abigail would go mining and fighting slimes with you.

#4 - Emily

Emily is uniquely cool but I also found her incredibly funny. Her cut scenes are my all time favorites and her 10 heart cut scene has to be my favorite too, it was so adorable.

She’s very fun, sweet, and creative. A perfect balance of chaotic and calm which I never thought would be possible and we too both find Clint a bit odd.

#5 - Sam

Sam is your typical jock but not the mean ones, he seems like he’d be the sweetheart. He’s sweet, and welcoming from the moment you walk into Pelican Town.

I love that he forms a band and is music enthused and his cutscenes with Vincent warm my heart. Plus, he really loves pizza, and I do too!

Non Marriage Candidates

#1 - Linus

Linus is the best character out of every character in Stardew Valley (besides Vincent), and I will die on this hill. His values and priorities is truly what makes him the sweetheart of Pelican Town.

#2 - Krobus

Now, I haven’t really gotten the chance to make Krobus my roommate yet but he seems like an alternate version of Linus if he was more shy and lived in the caves rather than the tent.

He’s very shy and kind and his backstory makes me want to literally cherish him.

#3 - Caroline

Caroline gets on my nerves sometimes because why Pierre! The guy doesn’t even appreciate her!

Other than her poor relationship choices, she’s honestly a pretty likeable character. Her green tea room cut scene makes me laugh and I appreciate that she helps us out with money in Spring Year 1 with the tea saplings.

She has that spiritual calmness that the valley needs and I adore the workout sessions she has on Tuesdays because it makes finding those girls a lot easier.

#4 - Robin

Up next on women that marry the wrong men- our Stardew Valley carpenter, Robin! Demetrius is so off putting to me. That one cutscene will forever rub me the wrong way.

Other than Demetrius, Robin is actually pretty cool. Her shop is overpriced but I enjoy her contributions to the Valley. Couldn’t do anything without her, literally.

#5 - Marnie

I’m starting to see a pattern here.. Marnie and Mayor Lewis is a absolutely no no. I cannot stand Mayor Lewis just as much as I can’t stand Morris.

Marnie deserves better. There’s truly no reason for him to be keeping her a secret at all. However, Marnie is a great character overall. She’s pretty nice and takes good care of Jas and helps us out with all things farm animals so give it up for her.

Every Stardew Valley character adds warmth and depth to Pelican Town. Whether you’re courting Sebastian under a starry sky or helping Pam rebuild her life, these relationships make Stardew Valley feel alive. So, who’s your favorite villager and why?

If you’d like to know which character you should absolutely stay away from in Stardew, check out my previous post.