I would start with a dating website. Play the field and don't settle.

Find a champion of the opposite sex and on his/her action tab will be a gold ring.  Click on it.

You may be rejected for being not 'renowned' (? or some similar term) enough.  To solve that, have your Sov level up once, while the prospective mate does not level up.  Then the Sov is of sufficient renown/stature/whatever that the prospective mate will accept.

Basically the Sov needs to be of a higher level.  Then the proposal will be accepted.

A good reputation is essential to get a mate.  If your reputation is below your husband/wife, then they give you a quick speech to the effect of "It's not you, it's me.  I'm looking for someone more established... someone who is not afraid to persue their dreams".

If that happens just flash the cash, or in this case 'guildar'.  Having about 500 gold in the bank makes up for a bad reputation every time.

I only played 1 1.06 and now 1.07 game, and in both my Sov started with 0 (or 0.1 in the 1.06 game IIRC) 'reputation', and my intended had 1.0 when recruited.  She only accepted when I had 1 (or 1.1).

You've had a mate accept when she/he had greater reputation?

I mean, that sometimes my reputation goes up even without leveling up.

Not sure what I did, but I know it wasn't gaining a level since there wasn't anything around to kill.

Thanks for the heads up VR_IronMana!

(you a black sabbath fan?)

other kingdoms? yes. Hired Champions? unfortunately no.

In each game I have played so far, I have always had 4 offspring. And I seem to notice the AI players getting the same.

Also, one of the bugs mentioned before was that the AI players seem to get married on the first turn and start cranking kids out right away, while the player can't do that.

Since offspring need a good while before they become playable, this would be a significant edge, if the AI was actually working correctly (which it mostly isn't).

The trick to being married is try and get the first one out of the way as quick as possible.  That way you'll have more years with someone you actually like.

There's a much easier way to get married.  Go to Vegas, get drunk, wake up the next morning.  All done.

How do you get married? Buddy, you should be asking how do you NOT get married *slaps your back* Oi! I kid, but look at you. You're a stallion. You're ready to stud. Look at him, he says "How do I get married." Murray you hear that? I know! Come here kid, you wanna get married? I'll make it happen *opens door to the library* this is how I met your mother. Now go find her, champ. No, not your mother, your wife.