All Stardew Valley bachelors ranked: Whom should you marry?

Marrying in Stardew Valley is about building a new life in the town. Your spouse will become your partner and offer daily help with chores as a helpful boost to your productivity. There are 12 Stardew Valley bachelors that you can marry. Marrying one unlocks special heart events that reveal their backstories.

Each bachelor also brings their own personality, interests, and quirks, making it a fun challenge to pickg the perfect spouse. So, if you can’t decide which Stardew Valley bachelor to marry, this list will rank them based on their personality, productivity, and ease of building relationships.

Note: The list is subjective and may include the author’s opinions.

Stardew Valley Bachelors: Whom should you marry?

12) Haley

Befriending Haley requires significant efforts but below-average returns. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Haley starts as the most self-centered among the Stardew Valley bachelors. Initially, she is shallow, rude, and dismissive. However, as you get to know her, you'll discover her deep yearning for true friendship and love.

Once married, Haley drastically changes her personality. She lets go of her materialistic nature for a simpler life on the farm. However, the gifts she brings are not the best. Most of them include food that can be easily cooked towards the mid to endgame.

Where to find Haley

Spring: By the fountain or river south of Marnie's Ranch on weekdays. At the beach with Alex on Mondays
Summer: At the beach with Alex most days
Fall: By the fountain on weekdays. At the river south of Marnie's Ranch on Mondays
Winter: At the Night Market on Wednesdays, otherwise at home or in the kitchen

How to date and marry Haley

Giving gifts twice a week is the key to increasing your friendship with Haley. She loves coconuts, sunflowers, fruit salad, pink cake, and all universally loved items (except Prismatic Shard).
Avoid giving her eggs, most fruits (except coconuts), milk, vegetables, clay, and fish.
Triggering heart events will also increase your friendship with Haley. There are eight heart events with her.
Once you reach eight hearts, you can give her a Mermaid Pendant to initiate dating.
After dating for a while, you can give her a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Haley's heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Enter Haley and Emily's house when they are both there and mediate their argument about cleaning.
Four Hearts	Enter Haley's house when she's there and help her open a jar.
Six Hearts	Go to the beach between 10 AM and 4 PM (except Winter) and help her find her lost bracelet.
Eight Hearts	Meet her at Cindersap Forest between 10 am and 4 pm and take pictures.
Ten Hearts	Enter Haley’s house and watch Haley develop photos in her dark room.

11) Shane

Shane's story is the darkest in Stardew Valley. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Shane's story showcases him as a complex character with a dark past. Initially, he often comes off as rude and unhappy due to depression. Getting closer to him requires patience and understanding as he works through his struggles.

Shane's heart events offer an interesting redemption arc and victory over life's struggles. You can marry him if you can relate to his struggles and offer love and support. However, he doesn't provide much value to the farm except for bringing in chickens and occasionally gifting junk food.

Where to find Shane

Spring, Summer, and Fall: In the Cindersap Forest, most days except Monday and Wednesday. On Mondays, he can be found at the Saloon, and on Wednesdays, you can meet him at the JojaMart.
Winter: Same as earlier, but now, he’ll be at the Saloon on Wednesday.

How to date and marry Shane

Shane does not prefer typical gifts like flowers or other produce.
Giving him foods like Pepper Poppers, Pizza, or Beer regularly will increase your friendship.
Avoid giving him vegetables, fruits (except for Raisins and Pumpkins), Milk, Eggs, or any universally hated items.

How to trigger Shane’s heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Meet him at Cindersap Forest between 8 pm and 12 pm
Four Hearts	Enter Marnie’s Ranch anytime
Six Hearts	Meet him at Cindersap Forest on a rainy day between 8 am and 9 pm
Eight Hearts	Enter Marnie’s Ranch
Ten Hearts	Exit your house before 6:30 am, talk to Shane, and then go to the bus stop between 4 pm and 6 pm

10) Elliott

Elliott is a great help at the farm but his personality may not be for everyone. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Elliott is a struggling writer who lives alone in a shack near the beach. While his dialogues sometimes feel out of touch with reality, he is kind and loves philosophical conversations.

Elliot's heart events are fun and romantic but lack sufficient character development. Once married, he does not provide much value in terms of gifts or help around the farm. However, if his personality and philosophical conversations are your cup of tea, he can be a great match for you.

Where to find Elliott

Spring, Summer, and Fall: On the beach most days, except Wednesdays and Fridays, where he can be found reading at the library.
Winter: In his cabin most days. At the Saloon on Wednesdays

How to date and marry Elliott

Elliott is a charming writer with a love for the ocean and literature. Impress him with gifts like Lobster, Pomegranate, Coconut, Schum Winery Reserve (or any other wine), and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving him Hot Pepper, Cooked Egg, Milk, Daffodil, or Clay.
There are eight heart events with Elliott, unveiling his literary talents and romantic side.
Once you reach eight hearts, you can give him a Pineapple to initiate dating.
After dating for a while, you can give him a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Elliott's heart events

Hearts	What do to
Two Hearts	Enter Elliott’s cabin.
Four Hearts	Enter the Saloon between 3 pm and 10 pm when Gus is there.
Six Hearts	Talk to him at his home.
Eight Hearts	Visit the museum between 1 pm and 7 pm.
Ten Hearts	Meet him at the Beach any day between 7 am and 1 pm.

9) Penny

Penny remains a kind and innocent character despite her struggles with her alcoholic mother. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Penny is shy and modest without any great ambitions for life. She lives a simple life with her mother and dreams of having a family. She remains optimistic and always finds time to lend a helping hand.

In her heart events, Penny comes out as wholesome and has an adorable personality. However, it is difficult to increase her affinity level because of her gift choices. The items she requires are difficult to come across and often accessible only towards mid to endgame. However, If you appreciate a simple partner in your Stardew Valley world, Penny could be well worth the effort.

Where to find Penny

Spring, Summer, and Fall: In Pam's trailer most days. At the museum on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Winter: In Pam's trailer most days. Can be found teaching Jas at the school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

How to date and marry Penny

Gifts like Amethyst, Poppy, Sweet Pea, Diamond, and all universally loved items increase friendship levels.
Avoid giving her Hot Pepper, Pale Ale, Cooked Egg, Clay, or Solar Essence.
After dating for a while, you can give her a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Penny's heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Enter Pelican Town on a sunny day between 9 am and 2 pm.
Four Hearts	Enter the trailer when she’s home to trigger dialogue
Six Hearts	Enter the trailer when she’s home to trigger dialogue
Eight Hearts	Enter Cindersap forest between 9 am to 4 pm.
Ten Hearts	Enter the pool area of Spa between 7 pm and 12 am.

8) Alex

Alex offers great help with his special food gifts during mid-game. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Alex is an energetic and competitive individual. He comes across as quite arrogant and brags about his goal of becoming a professional athlete.

As you get to know him in the heart events, he softens up and turns out to be a caring and supportive personality. Once married, he offers decent gifts and special food items on rainy days. Overall, if his energetic personality compliments you, Alex can be a great Stardew Valley Bachelor to go after.

Where to find Alex

Spring: In his house most days. At the Saloon on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Summer and Fall: At the beach most days.
Winter: In the Saloon on most days, and chopping wood outside his house on Wednesdays.

How to date and marry Alex

Alex loves any cooked food (except Fried Egg and Sashimi), Pumpkin, Honey, and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving him Clay, Coal, Driftwood, or any universally hated items.
After triggering heart events, you can start dating and propose to him with a bouquet for marriage.

How to trigger Alex's heart events

Hearts	What to Do
Two Hearts	Visit him at the beach on a summer day.
Four Hearts	Enter town between 9 am and 4 pm and talk to him.
Six Hearts	Enter Alex’s house and talk to him
Eight Hearts	Visit the beach on a sunny summer day and talk to him.
Ten Hearts	After receiving Alex’s letter, visit him at the Saloon between 7 pm and 10 pm.

7) Leah

Leah is easy to befriend thanks to her simple gift requirements. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Leah is a talented sculptor but is too shy to display it to the public. She lives alone outside the city and has a calm and sweet personality.

Leah's heart events are about slowly developing self-confidence and provide a heartwarming story of character development. Once married, she shifts to your farm and assists in daily chores. While the gifts she brings aren't great, her personality and helping nature make her a great Stardew Valley bachelor to marry.

Where to find Leah

Spring, Summer, and Fall: In her cabin most days and in the Cindersap Forest on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Winter: In her cabin most days. At the Saloon on Wednesdays (except rainy days)

How to date and marry Leah

Leah appreciates gifts that reflect her love for nature and art. She adores Salad (all types), Poppy, Iridium Ore, Driftwood, and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving her Milk, Cooked Egg, Daffodil, Pumpkin, or Clay.
Once you reach eight hearts, you can give her a Driftwood Sculpture to initiate dating.
After dating for a while, you can give her a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Leah's heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Enter Leah’s Cottage when she’s there and talk to her.
Four Hearts	Enter Leah’s Cottage when she’s there and talk to her.
Six Hearts	Meet Leah at your farmhouse’s door between 6 am and 11:30 am.
Eight Hearts	Accept Leah’s invitation to her art show. Attend it between 3 pm and 5 pm.
Ten Hearts	Enter Cindersap Forest between 11 am and 4 pm on a sunny day.

6) Sam

Sam's story of a typical rising star is both inspiring and moving. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Sam is an aspiring musician who spends most of his days skateboarding around town, playing with his band, and dreaming of hitting the big stage. Despite his carefree nature, Sam has a loyal heart and a strong work ethic.

Sam's heart events are all about watching him grow as a musician and achieve his dreams. He is incredibly easy to please and get married to. Once married, he will join you on the farm and bring you simple gifts. If you like a story about a struggling artist, Sam can be a great Stardew Valley bachelor to invest time in.

Where to find Sam

Spring, Summer, and Fall: In the Community Center most days. At the beach most days
Winter: In Pierre's General Store most days, Bull's Pen most Wednesdays and Fridays

How to date and marry Sam

Win him over with gifts like Pizza (all types), Amethyst, Mango, Spicy Eel, and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving him Daffodil, Grape, Leek, Pumpkin, or Fried Egg.
Once you reach eight hearts, you can give him a Maple Bar to initiate dating.
After dating for a while, you can give him a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Sam's heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Enter Sam’s house and listen to his music.
Four Hearts	Enter the beach between 7 am and 3 pm and talk to him.
Six Hearts	Enter the town between 12 pm and 4 pm and save him from Lewis’ scolding.
Eight Hearts	Accept his invitation to the concert performance and enter the bus stop between 4 pm and 7 pm.
Ten Hearts	Enter the down on a sunny day between 8 pm and 12 pm

5) Maru

Maru is easy to please with her simple gift requirements. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Maru is the daughter of Robin from Carpenter's shop and loves science and technology. She has a friendly and exciting personality and can be befriended by offering easy-to-find gifts.

Maru's heart event is unique, as you help her build a big sentient robot. Once married, she shifts to your farm where she spends time tinkering with her gadgets. She also brings rare and useful items that are helpful during the late game. Overall, if you like her techy personality, she is a great Stardew Valley bachelor to marry.

Where to find Maru

Spring: In her workshop tinkering most days. In the library on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Winter: In her workshop tinkering most days. In the Saloon on Wednesdays and Fridays.

How to date and marry Maru

Impress her with gifts like Battery Pack, Pumpkin, Amethyst, Iridium Bar, and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving her Wild Honey, Daffodil, Poppy, Cooked Egg, or Clay.
Once you reach eight hearts, you can give her a Battery to initiate dating.
After dating for a while, you can give her a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Maru's heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Enter Carpenter Shop and meet Maru.
Four Hearts	Enter the Clinic and meet with Maru.
Six Hearts	Enter the mountain between 9 pm and 11:40 pm and join in stargazing.
Eight Hearts	Enter Carpenter Shop and meet Maru.
Ten Hearts	Enter Carpenter Shop and meet Maru between 9 am and 4 pm.

4) Emily

Emily brings rare items and has a charming personality. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Emily and her sister Haley are worlds apart. She is a bright personality with a passion for tailoring, art, and outdoor adventure.

Emily's heart events are fun and full of positivity and offer colorful themes to the story. Once married, she shifts to your farmhouse and brings rare items as gifts. Overall, if you are looking for a charming personality with useful gifts, Emily is a great Stardew Valley bachelor to marry.

Where to find Emily

Spring: In her house most days. Foraging in the forest on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Summer: In the Cindersap Forest most days
Fall: In the Saloon on Wednesdays. At the Crystal Caves otherwise
Winter: In the Saloon most days

How to date and marry Emily

Emily prefers gifts like Amethyst, Topaz, Jade, Colorful Flowers (all types), and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving her Coal, Leek, Sardine, Solar Essence, or Clay.
Once you reach eight hearts, you can give her an Amethyst Quartz to initiate dating.
After dating for a while, you can give her a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Emily's heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Enter Emily’s house and meet her.
Four Hearts	Enter the town on a sunny day in any season except winter.
Six Hearts	Enter Emily’s house and meet her.
Eight Hearts	Visit Mayor Manor’s house after receiving her letter.
Ten Hearts	Meet Emily in the Secret Woods after 10 pm.

3) Harvey

Harvey brings useful healing items as gifts that are useful in expeditions. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Harvey is the town's dedicated doctor. He spends his days dealing with patients and enjoys a quiet life reading books and walking in the forest.

Harvey's heart events are simple but his sweet personality makes up for it. Moreover, he gifts useful health and food items after marriage. Overall, Harvey can be a great pick for players who like simplicity.

Where to find Harvey

Summer, Fall, and Spring: In his clinic most days or around the town.
Winter: In his clinic tinkering most days or at the Saloon on Wednesdays and Fridays

How to date and marry Harvey

Impress him with gifts like Coffee, Pumpkin, Pickles, Iridium Bar, and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving him Wild Honey, Daffodil, Poppy, Cooked Egg, or Cheese.
After dating for a while, you can give him a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Harvey's heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Enter George’s House and meet Harvey when George is present.
Four Hearts	Enter the Clinic and meet Harvey.
Six Hearts	Meet Harvey at the General Store between 11 am and 3 pm.
Eight Hearts	Enter the Clinic and meet Harvey.
Ten Hearts	Meet Harvey at the railway tracks between 9 am and 5 pm.

2) Sebastian

Sebastian's heart events are some of the best in the game. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Sebastian is a programmer in Pelican Town. He spends most of his days in his basement tinkering with computers and escaping into the world of video games.

Sebastian's first two heart events paint him as mysterious and edgy, but he later turns out to be an interesting and caring person. Once married, he brings useful items for the late game and provides great assistance on the farm. Overall, he is a great Stardew Valley bachelor to go after.

Where to find Sebastian

Spring, Summer, and Fall: In his room at home most days or by the train station.
Winter: In his room at home most days or at the Saloon.

How to date and marry Sebastian

Sebastian lives in his mother’s basement. Win him over with gifts like Pizza (all types), Amethyst, Mango, Spicy Eel, and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving him Daffodil, Grape, Leek, Pumpkin, or Fried Egg.
Once you reach eight hearts, you can give him a Maple Bar to initiate dating.
After dating for a while, you can give him a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Sebastian's heart events

Heart	What to Do
Two Hearts	Talk to Sebastian in his room.
Four Hearts	Meet him at the mountain between 11 am and 5 pm.
Six Hearts	Enter Sebastian’s house and play games with him.
Eight Hearts	Go to the beach on a rainy day between 12 pm and 11 pm.
Ten Hearts	Meet Sebastian in the mountains between 8 pm and 12 am.

1) Abigail

Abigail brings in useful late-game gifts and has an adventurous personality. (Image via ConcernedApe)

Abigail loves all things spooky. She is an adventurer at heart and dreams of exploring the mines and discovering secrets.

Abigail's heart events explore her quirky personality and love for adventure, exploration, and games, and develop her as a charming character. Once married, she brings some of the best late-game gifts and provides useful help across the farm. Overall, her late-game utility and charming personality make her the best Stardew Valley bachelor on the list.

Where to find Abigail

Spring: In Pierre's General Store most days or the Cindersap Forest on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Summer and Fall: In the Cindersap Forest most days or at the Adventurer's Guild on Wednesdays and Fridays
Winter: In the Saloon most days, at the mines on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except rainy days)

How to date and marry Abigail

Abigail can be wooed with gifts like Amethyst, Pufferfish, Spicy Eel, Void Mayonnaise, and all universally loved items.
Avoid giving her Milk, Cooked Egg, Daffodil, Poppy, or Clay.
Once you reach eight hearts, you can give her a Doom Fang to initiate dating.
After dating for a while, you can give her a Bouquet to propose and marry.

How to trigger Abigail's heart events

Hearts	What to do
Two Hearts	Enter Pierre’s Store and meet Abigail (except Saturdays)
Four Hearts	Visit mountains and meet Abigail between 12 pm and 7 pm.
Six Hearts	Enter town between 9 pm and 12 am.
Eight Hearts	Enter Pierre’s store between 8 pm and 10 pm when she’s there.
Ten Hearts	Enter Mines or Quarry between 5 pm and 12 am.

The Stardew Valley 1.6 update brought in a lot of new players to the game. If you have just joined in, this list provides an initial roadmap to choosing your partner in Stardew Valley. However, Stardew Valley is full of deep characters, so if a particular character interests you, feel free to choose them.

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