How to Marry Serana in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’ve fallen for the ancient, powerful, and undeniably captivating vampire Serana in Skyrim, and you’re wondering how to make her your wife? The short answer is: in the vanilla version of Skyrim, you can’t. Bethesda didn’t include the option to marry Serana in the base game or any of its DLCs. However, don’t despair! The vibrant modding community has stepped in to fill this void, offering various ways to make Serana your spouse. This guide will explore those options and provide a deeper understanding of Serana’s character and your relationship with her.
Understanding the Vanilla Limitations
Before diving into the world of mods, it’s crucial to understand why Serana isn’t marriageable in the unmodded game. During the Dawnguard questline, you’ll develop a close bond with her, sharing dangerous adventures and poignant moments. You might even find yourself wearing an Amulet of Mara hoping for a spark. However, the dialogue options simply aren’t there. While there are a few intriguing conversations you can have while wearing the Amulet of Mara and talking to her often, the option to propose marriage is notably absent. This is intentional, as Serana’s story and character arc weren’t designed to culminate in marriage with the Dragonborn. The romance dialogue chain will end with her coming to the conclusion that her life, and the dragonborn’s life, are just too different.
Modding Your Way to Marital Bliss
The most common method to marry Serana is through modding. Several mods are available on platforms like the Nexus Mods website that enable you to marry Serana, each with its own features and nuances. Here’s what you can expect from such mods:
- Marriage Enablement: The core function of these mods is to unlock the marriage dialogue options with Serana.
- Dialogue Expansion: Many mods go beyond simply enabling marriage, adding new dialogue options to reflect your deepening relationship with Serana and address the unique challenges of marrying a vampire.
- Relationship Progression: Some mods implement systems that track your relationship with Serana, unlocking new dialogue and interactions as your bond strengthens. For example, with the “Serana Dialogue Edit” mod, Serana will snuggle up to you if your relationship value is 50 or over. If it is lower than 50 she will not snuggle up to you.
- Custom Wedding Ceremony: While the standard Temple of Mara wedding ceremony will be used, some mods may add unique touches to make the occasion more personal.
Popular Serana Marriage Mods:
- Marriable Serana: A straightforward mod that enables marriage with Serana with minimal fuss.
- Serana Dialogue Edit: This mod expands Serana’s dialogue, offering more engaging and immersive conversations.
- Amorous Adventures: With the Amorous Adventures mod installed AND having completed the quest line Chasing Echoes, some players may be able to cuddle Serana.
Important Considerations When Using Mods:
- Compatibility: Ensure the mod you choose is compatible with your version of Skyrim (Special Edition, Anniversary Edition, or Oldrim) and any other mods you have installed. Conflicts between mods can cause crashes or glitches.
- Installation: Follow the mod author’s installation instructions carefully. Use a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 to simplify the process and avoid corrupting your game files.
- Load Order: The order in which your mods are loaded can affect their functionality. Experiment with different load orders to resolve any conflicts.
- Roleplaying Impact: Consider how the mod might affect your overall roleplaying experience. Some mods can make the game significantly easier or alter the characters in ways that don’t align with your vision.
The Amulet of Mara and Serana
Even without mods, wearing an Amulet of Mara while traveling with Serana can trigger some interesting dialogue. These conversations hint at the possibility of a deeper connection, but ultimately, they lead to Serana expressing her reservations about marriage. The Amulet of Mara is obtained in Riften. Go to Riften. Talk to Maramal either in the Bee and Barb, or in the Temple of Mara. Ask him about how marriage works in Skyrim. Wear the amulet and walk around.
Dealing with Serana’s Vampirism
Marrying a vampire comes with its own unique challenges. Serana’s vampirism is a central part of her character, and it’s something you’ll need to consider if you choose to marry her.
- Curing Serana: After completing the Dawnguard questline, you can convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism at Fort Dawnguard after her father is dead. Choose the option “Are you all right?” instead of asking her about a cure. However, some players prefer to keep her as a vampire, embracing her unique nature.
- Becoming a Vampire Yourself: Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord after completing the quest Kindred Judgment. However, if you side with the Dawnguard, they will refuse any interactions with you while you are a Vampire Lord, stating that you need to get cured immediately. You can be turned into a Vampire Lord at any time.
- Sunlight Vulnerability: As a vampire, Serana is vulnerable to sunlight. However, she has adapted to this weakness and can travel in daylight without taking damage, though her abilities are slightly diminished.
A Different Kind of Love Story
Marrying Serana, even with mods, is not the same as marrying a typical NPC in Skyrim. Her complex past, her unique abilities, and her conflicted emotions create a different kind of love story.
- Shared Trauma: Serana has experienced immense loss and trauma, and your relationship with her will be shaped by these experiences.
- Undying Loyalty: Despite her reservations about marriage, Serana is fiercely loyal to those she cares about. Once you earn her trust, she will stand by your side through thick and thin.
- A Partner in Power: As a powerful vampire, Serana is a formidable ally in combat. She can raise the dead, cast powerful spells, and provide invaluable support in your adventures.
- Unconventional Romance: Marrying Serana is not about settling down and raising a family. It’s about forging a bond with a complex and compelling character who challenges your perceptions of love and mortality.
Conclusion
While marrying Serana in vanilla Skyrim is impossible, the modding community offers a variety of ways to fulfill your desire to make her your wife. Remember to choose mods carefully, considering their compatibility and impact on your overall gaming experience. Marrying Serana is an unforgettable experience for many players, offering a unique and rewarding love story within the vast world of Skyrim. So, if you’re ready to embrace the challenge and embark on an unconventional romance, dive into the world of mods and make Serana your eternal companion. The Games Learning Society, along with game enthusiasts and players alike, can find interest in how player modifications can enhance game storylines. Learning through mods is an emerging area within the GamesLearningSociety.org community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I marry Serana without using any mods?
No, in the vanilla version of Skyrim, it is not possible to marry Serana. You will need to use mods to enable the marriage option.
2. What is the best mod to marry Serana?
The “best” mod depends on your preferences. Marriable Serana is a simple and straightforward option. Serana Dialogue Edit enhances her dialogue and adds depth to her character. Experiment to find the one that suits your playstyle.
3. Will marrying Serana affect the Dawnguard questline?
It shouldn’t. The mods typically focus on adding marriage options without altering the main questline. However, always read the mod description carefully.
4. Can Serana become a housecarl after marriage?
It depends on the mod you use. Some mods may allow Serana to become a housecarl, while others may not.
5. Can I have children with Serana?
In the vanilla version of Skyrim, vampires cannot have children. Some mods may add this functionality, but it is not a standard feature.
6. Does Serana care if I become a vampire?
No. Serana becomes friends with the Dragonborn as they are, and is happy for them to change however they want. It’s also possible for her to be talked into being cured.
7. Can I cure Serana of her vampirism after marrying her?
Yes, if you wish for her to cure her vampirism after the main questline, then choose the option “Are you all right?” instead of asking her about a cure. Once you ask this, she will end the conversation but you will be able to convince her to seek a cure at Fort Dawnguard after her father is dead.
8. What happens if I divorce Serana?
Sadly, there isn’t a way to divorce anyone in Skyrim. Marriage is for life, which is why, the only way to undo a marriage is to kill the spouse.
9. Can Serana and another follower travel with me at the same time?
Yes! Thanks to NPC Serana, everybody can use 2 (two) followers simultaneously in Skyrim.
10. Is Serana the best follower in Skyrim?
Many players consider Serana to be the best follower in Skyrim. Combat-wise, she’s a powerful necromancer that will raise all types of dead enemies to fight alongside her and the player in battle, even switching to melee weapons when her mana pool runs dry.
11. Is Serana a popular character in Skyrim?
Serana is definitely a popular character in Skyrim. She is a powerful necromancer and a formidable ally.
12. Can I marry another vampire in Skyrim?
While you can turn your spouse into a vampire, the game doesn’t allow marriage with a vampire in the vanilla version. However, you can still use mods to enable it.
13. Does Serana have unique dialogue after marriage?
Some mods, like “Serana Dialogue Edit,” add unique dialogue options for Serana after marriage, reflecting your relationship.
14. Can I marry Jarl Elisif in Skyrim?
Normally you can’t marry Elisif the Fair, it requires a mod that is known to be a bit buggy.
15. Can Vex be made a wife in Skyrim?
No, it’s not possible to marry Vex.