How to Marry Serana in Skyrim Special Edition: A Complete Guide
Serana, the enigmatic vampire daughter of the powerful Lord Harkon, often captures the attention of players in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. For those utilizing the Skyrim Special Edition, the process of initiating and completing a marriage to this unique companion requires navigating specific, sometimes obscure, questlines and game mechanics. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough for players who wish to make this distinctive character their spouse.
Serana stands apart from the majority of potential marriage candidates in Skyrim due to her status as a central figure in the game's primary storyline. Unlike most followers, she is not immediately available for romance, and her vampiric nature introduces specific requirements that players must accommodate. Successfully marrying her is a reward for engaging deeply with the Dawnguard DLC, one of the most substantial expansions for the game.
The journey to Serana's hand begins the moment you encounter her. She is first met aboard the SS Valdor, the ship that transports the Dragonborn to the mystical island of Solstheim. During the quest "The Dawnguard," she serves as a crucial guide to the player's new vampire or werewolf abilities. To initiate a romantic relationship, the player must first progress through the main questline to a point where the option to join the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan becomes available.
### Joining the Dawnguard
The most straightforward path to Serana involves aligning with the Dawnguard, a faction dedicated to eradicating vampires. This alliance is necessary to access her as a companion and potential spouse. The quest is offered by various NPCs, including Isran in the Sleeping Giant Inn in Whiterun or Farengar Secret-Fire in Dragonsreach in Whiterun.
1. Accept the quest "The Dawnguard."
2. Follow the trail to locate the Dawnguard's base of operations.
3. Complete the initial tasks, which typically involve investigating a vampire sighting or retrieving an artifact.
4. Upon returning to the Dawnguard sanctuary, you will officially become a member.
Once you have joined the Dawnguard, Serana will become a permanent follower. She will accompany you to various locations and provide assistance in combat. However, to marry her, you must also undertake a specific side quest that reveals more of her personal history.
### The Side Quest: "Revelations"
This quest is vital for unlocking the marriage option. It delves into the lore of the Elder Scrolls and provides essential context for Serana's character. The quest is initiated automatically after you join the Dawnguard and speak with Serana at the sanctuary.
1. Travel to the Forgotten Vale, a location northeast of Whiterun.
2. Locate the "Lost to Ice" objective marker, which will lead you to a frozen waterfall.
3. Inside the cave, you will find a Falmer and a complex puzzle involving Sun Keys.
4. Solve the puzzle to progress further into the cave.
5. You will eventually discover a location known as the "Lost Vale," where you will meet Valerica, Serana's mother.
The climax of "Revelations" involves a confrontation with Valerica. She explains her motivations and the history of her family. Completing this quest not only deepens the narrative but also removes the barrier that previously prevented you from interacting with Serana as a romantic interest.
### Meeting the Requirements
With the main questline advanced and "Revelations" complete, you must ensure that certain conditions are met before proposing. First, your character's level should be high enough to demonstrate strength and stability; a level of 10 or higher is generally recommended. More importantly, you must have a residence. Marrying Serana, or any NPC, requires a home with a bed.
Purchasing a house is a significant investment but is mandatory. In the city of Whiterun, you can buy Breezehome from the steward, Balgruuf the Greater. This purchase is one of the earliest major property transactions available in the game and serves as the perfect residence for a family unit.
### The Proposal
Once you own a house and have completed the necessary story quests, the final step is surprisingly simple. Equip the "Amuor of Mara," an item obtained during the main quest "The Dragon Has Come." This amulet is the symbol of marriage in Skyrim.
1. Ensure you are wearing the Amulet of Mara.
2. Approach Serana in a location where she is not engaged in combat. This can be at your home, at the marketplace in Whiterun, or wherever she happens to be following you.
3. Press the interaction button (usually the "A" key on PC or "X" on Xbox) to initiate conversation.
4. The option "Marry" should appear in the dialogue menu. Select it.
Upon acceptance, Serana will comment on the arrangement, often with her characteristic dry wit. She acknowledges the bond with a simple, "So it is decided."
### Living with a Vampire
It is crucial to understand the implications of your new spouse's nature. Serana is a vampire, and while she does not succumb to the weaknesses of her kind, she does require blood to sustain herself.
* **Feeding:** If left without blood for an extended period, Serana will enter a "Bloodthirsty" state. In this mode, she will attack random NPCs or even the player if provoked. To feed her, you must give her raw meat or, more efficiently, bottles of blood, which can be purchased from alchemists or obtained from defeated enemies.
* **Spells and Powers:** Serana comes with a unique set of spells, including "Summon Demonic Avatar," which allows her to transform into a powerful demonic creature. These abilities remain with her regardless of her marital status.
* **Children:** A notable benefit of marrying Serana is that your children will not age. They will remain at the age they were when you had them, provided you do not fast travel or wait excessively long after their birth.
Marrying Serana in Skyrim Special Edition is a testament to the game's depth and the enduring appeal of its characters. It moves beyond simple companionship, weaving the player's journey into the broader tapestry of the Elder Scrolls universe. By following these steps, you can secure the loyalty of one of the most fascinating figures in Tamriel, creating a unique and memorable bond in the frozen landscape of Skyrim.
