Skyrim Lydia location, disappearance, and marriage

Skyrim's Lydia is one of the first follower NPCs you meet, and she introduces you to a bevy of different mechanics and quirks that the classic RPG is known for

Skyrim's Lydia stood in a town surrounded by walls, with fire torches, leaves on the ground, and other medieval-esque elements. She is a woman in silver armour, with a silver helmet on her head and axe on her back.

One aspect of Skyrim that never gets old is the NPCs, whether it’s the iconic arrow-to-the-knee-esque lines or just a general sense of attachment from spending hours with them. One of the first follower NPCs you meet on the main questline is Skyrim’s Lydia, part of Dragonsreach in Whiterun and a pretty fast friend.

Still, Skyrim is nothing without bugs. Has Lydia disappeared? We can help reset her position. But where does she go after that reset? We can help you find Lydia too. Oh, and for all your romantics out there, we can tell you all about marrying Lydia in Skyrim, too. For more Elder Scrolls magic, check out our Skyrim maps, Skyrim Serana, and Skyrim cure vampirism guides.

Now, here’s everything you need to know about Skyrim’s Lydia.

Who is Skyrim’s Lydia?

Lydia is an easygoing and easy-to-meet follower in Skyrim. You can find her in Dragonsreach, where following through Jarl Balgruf’s requests will eventually end in Lydia becoming a companion. Just follow the main questline and you’ve got her.

Skyrim Lydia: A dragon flues in a wintry sky above a large mountain pass on which a horned-helmeted soldier stands in a screenshot from Skyrim.

Skyrim’s Lydia disappeared fix

Sometimes, followers in Skyrim can disappear. To find Lydia again, try these steps:

  • Find a new follower, ask them to join you, then go back to Dragonsreach, Breezehome, or the Hall of the Dead to ask her to follow you again
  • Fast travel to your last destination
  • Sleep in a bed
  • Restart the game

In general, the first of these options has always worked for me in my more-than-a-decade of playing this game on a way-too-regular basis, but there are other solutions.

How do I find Lydia in Skyrim?

To find exactly where Lydia is in Skyrim depends on how far through the game you are.

  • If you do not own Breezehome in Whiterun, you can find Lydia in Dragonsreach
  • If you do own Breezehome in Whiterun, you can find Lydia there

Some people online say Lydia can sometimes be found in the Hall of the Dead, though I’ve never experienced this and can’t find much to corroborate this forum rumour.

Skyrim Lydia: three skeletons stood in ragged armour wielding makeshift weapons in a stony dungeon in a screenshot from Skyrim.

How do I marry Lydia in Skyrim?

To marry Lydia in Skyrim you need to own Breezehome in Whiterun and wear an Amulet of Mara. Assuming those conditions are met, follow the dialogue tree when Lydia says, “Is that an amulet of Mara? I’m surprised someone like you isn’t spoken for”, by replying, “Interested in me, are you?”

She says she is, and then asks if you are interested in her. This is where things get nice and simple. Either reply with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ (if you want to marry her, say yes).

Okay, there we go, Skyrim’s Lydia is your bride-to-be if you so wish. Nice and simple. For more, check out our Skype download and Zoom download guides for some tech help.