Marrying Serana in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve fallen for the captivating vampire Serana in Skyrim and are wondering how to make her your wife? The short answer is: you can’t, not without mods. Bethesda, in their infinite wisdom, did not include the option to marry Serana in the base game or any of its expansions. However, don’t despair, fellow Dragonborn! The vibrant modding community has stepped in to fill this void, offering several ways to finally tie the knot with your favorite vampire.

Before diving into the wonderful world of mods, let’s establish a clear understanding: vanilla Skyrim does not allow you to marry Serana. Wearing the Amulet of Mara and attempting to converse with her about marriage will result in polite, but firm, rejection.

Unleashing the Power of Mods

To marry Serana, you’ll need to install a mod. Here are some of the most popular and reputable options:

• Marriable Serana: This mod is straightforward and does exactly what it says on the tin. It adds the necessary dialogue options and scripting to allow you to propose to Serana after completing the Dawnguard questline. Ensure you have completed all the necessary quests related to Serana before attempting to propose.

• Serana Dialogue Add-On: While primarily focused on expanding Serana’s dialogue and character interactions, some versions include the option to marry her or express romantic feelings, though a separate marriage mod may still be required for full functionality. Look closely at the specific version of the mod you’re downloading, as features can vary. This mod may give the illusion of romantic interest, so tread carefully.

• Relationship Dialogue Overhaul (RDO): This mod overhauls the dialogue system, adding thousands of lines of voiced dialogue for NPCs, making conversations more natural and engaging. While it doesn’t directly add a marriage option for Serana, it makes the experience of using other marriage mods more immersive. It gives her more immersive dialogue.

• Mods That Overhaul the Marriage System: Some mods overhaul the entire marriage system, making it more dynamic and allowing for more options, including marrying NPCs who were previously unavailable. These mods often have extra requirements or changes to the marriage quest, so read carefully.

Important Considerations Before Installing Mods

• Compatibility: Ensure the mod is compatible with your version of Skyrim (Special Edition, Anniversary Edition, or the original). Read the mod description carefully and check the comments section for any potential conflicts with other mods you have installed.

• Installation: Follow the installation instructions provided by the mod author. Most mods can be easily installed using a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2. Using a mod manager is highly recommended for managing your mods and avoiding conflicts.

• Load Order: Load order is crucial. Incorrect load order can cause crashes, bugs, and other issues. Most mod managers will automatically sort your load order, but it’s always a good idea to research recommended load orders for specific mods.

• Save Games: It’s always a good idea to create a backup save before installing any new mods. This will allow you to revert to a previous state if anything goes wrong.

The Proposal and Wedding

Once you have installed a compatible mod, proposing to Serana is similar to marrying any other NPC in Skyrim.

1. Wear the Amulet of Mara: Obtain an Amulet of Mara from Maramal in Riften’s Temple of Mara. Wearing it signals your availability for marriage.

2. Initiate Dialogue: Approach Serana and initiate a conversation. If the mod is working correctly, a new dialogue option related to marriage should appear.

3. Express Your Affection: Select the dialogue option to express your feelings for Serana and propose marriage.

4. The Temple of Mara: After she accepts (and hopefully she does!), you’ll need to head to the Temple of Mara in Riften and speak to Maramal. Inform him that you are ready to be married, and he will schedule the wedding.

5. The Wedding Ceremony: Attend the wedding ceremony at the Temple of Mara. Wait for your guests to arrive, listen to Maramal’s sermon, and exchange vows with Serana. Congratulations, you are now married to Serana!

Living Happily Ever After (With a Vampire)

After the wedding, Serana will move into your chosen home, and you’ll receive the standard spouse benefits.

• Home-cooked Meal: She can provide you with a home-cooked meal once a day, which offers a temporary stat boost.

• Spouse Merchant: She can open a shop, allowing you to buy and sell items.

• Unique Dialogue: She offers unique, fully voiced dialogue, adding to the immersion of your relationship.

Of course, living with a vampire spouse comes with its unique considerations. Serana will always be a vampire, even with a modded marriage. She’s immune to most diseases, resistant to frost, and has a natural affinity for darkness. You might want to decorate your home with plenty of torches!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Serana and marriage in Skyrim:

1. Can I marry Serana without mods?

No. In the standard, unmodded game, it is impossible to marry Serana. Bethesda did not include this option, despite her popularity among players.

2. Which mods allow me to marry Serana?

Several mods add the marriage option for Serana, including “Marriable Serana,” “Serana Dialogue Add-On” (sometimes), and mods that overhaul the entire marriage system.

3. Do I need to complete the Dawnguard questline to marry Serana?

Typically, yes. Most marriage mods require you to have completed the Dawnguard questline before the marriage dialogue option becomes available.

4. Can Serana be cured of her vampirism after marriage?

It is possible to cure Serana of her vampirism, even after marriage, if you use a mod that enables this option. You’ll need to take her to Falion in Morthal. However, curing her may impact some of her dialogue and abilities.

5. Will Serana’s dialogue change after marriage?

Yes, marriage mods often add new dialogue options and interactions specific to your married life.

6. Can I turn my spouse into a vampire?

Yes, in the Dawnguard expansion, you can ask Serana to turn you into a vampire, but you cannot marry somebody who is already a vampire.

7. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?

Not without mods. The base game does not offer a divorce option. Some mods allow for divorce and remarriage, but use them with caution, as they can sometimes be buggy.

8. What are the benefits of marrying Serana?

With a marriage mod, Serana provides the standard spouse benefits, including a home-cooked meal, a spouse merchant, and unique, fully voiced dialogue.

9. Does Serana have unique dialogue about marriage in the base game?

Yes, Serana has some unique dialogue about marriage, but it is not an option available in the base game.

10. Can I have multiple wives in Skyrim?

Not without mods. The base game only allows you to marry one person at a time.

11. How do I get the Amulet of Mara?

You can purchase the Amulet of Mara from Maramal in the Temple of Mara in Riften.

12. Where does Serana live after marriage?

Serana will move into whichever house you designate as your primary residence.

13. Will Serana leave me if I’m not a vampire?

No, Serana will not leave you if you are not a vampire.

14. Can I marry Serana if I side with the Dawnguard?

Yes, siding with the Dawnguard does not affect your ability to marry Serana, provided you use a mod that enables marriage.

15. Where can I learn more about modding and game-based learning?

You can explore the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society website. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on how games can be used for educational purposes. The Games Learning Society explores how games can enhance learning.

Marrying Serana in Skyrim requires the assistance of mods, but the effort is worth it for many players who have fallen in love with her captivating personality. Remember to research and choose your mods carefully, follow the installation instructions, and enjoy your new life with your vampire bride!