Okay, so far my in-game spouse is proving to be very helpful. I can use him as a follower and he is a very good fighter. Quicker then me most of the time. I found him better armor, gave him a enchanted sword, bow and arrows. All of which he uses depending on how very away the target is, and he's a good shot. He also levels up with me to level 40.
I usually plan to do several things in one area at a time, so I will move him to one of my houses closest to that area. If I need him I go and get him. Saves some time.
My favorite house so far is honeyside, in Riften. It's smaller, but it as a useful garden ( with chickens!). But mostly it has a back porch, which leads down to your own dock. From there it's easy to go hunting, in the lake for fishing or just exploring. There is also a near by farm and lots of ingredients for alchemy ( which is a quick way to level up some characters). A tanning rack is also there.
We ran into a dragon right outside of Riften. With both of us we took down that dragon very quickly. No trouble at all.
So moral is, it's probably best to marry someone who can follow you and is a fighter. Very helpful. You also want some is diverse in there fighting skills.
I can think of two females...
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Mjoll_the_Lioness
( heavy armor, two-handed and Archery)
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Aela_the_Huntress
( Light Armor, One-handed, Archery and sneak). She's a werewolf though.
Sure there is more.
