Skyrim Can You Marry Serana: A Comprehensive Guide to the Romance Quest
Marrying Serana is one of the most sought-after achievements in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, representing a complex quest line that blends vampire mythology with intricate relationship mechanics. This article explores the precise steps, requirements, and potential pitfalls players encounter when pursuing a romantic bond with the Daughter of Coldharbour. Understanding the necessary prerequisites, such as the Dawnguard expansion and specific dialogue choices, is crucial for success.
The Prerequisites: Dawnguard and Beyond
Before a player can even consider asking Serana to be their wife, they must first satisfy a significant list of game conditions. The most critical requirement is the installation and completion of the main quest line for the Dawnguard downloadable content (DLC). Without this expansion installed, the option to romance Serana is entirely unavailable.
Additionally, players must progress far enough into the main quest to gain access to Castle Volkihar, the massive vampire stronghold that serves as the couple's potential home. This involves completing the initial quest "Dawnguard" and choosing the side of the Dawnguard or the Volkihar clan. Serana is a resident of the castle, and the marriage quest cannot be initiated until the player has reclaimed the castle from the opposing faction and established it as their base of operations.
Key Prerequisites Checklist
- Dawnguard DLC installed and main quest completed.
- Access to Castle Volkihar secured.
- A high enough "Favor with Serana" disposition score.
- Completion of the "The Kiss" quest objective.
The Courtship Process: Building Affection
Unlike standard NPC interactions in Skyrim, romance with Serana is not initiated by a simple dialogue option labeled "Romance." Instead, it is a gradual process measured by a hidden disposition meter often referred to as "Favor." Players must engage in specific dialogue choices and complete quests that align with Serana's character—a scholarly vampire seeking freedom from her mother's oppressive rule.
Throughout the main quest line, particularly during the segments involving the Elder Scrolls and the quest "The Soul Cairn," players have multiple opportunities to make dialogue choices that increase Serana's Favor. Choosing options that reflect empathy, understanding, or a shared desire for freedom will raise the meter. Conversely, aggressive or selfish dialogue choices will lower it, potentially locking the player out of the romance permanently.
Increasing Favor: Effective Strategies
- Follow her lead: During conversations, always select the dialogue option that Serana suggests or agrees with.
- Complete "The Kiss": This is a mandatory quest step where the player must kiss Serana. Successfully completing this without killing her is essential.
- Gift giving: While not as impactful as dialogue, giving her gifts she likes (such as Fillanamo) can provide minor boosts.
The Proposal: Asking Serana to Marry You
Once the Favor meter is sufficiently high, the opportunity to propose presents itself. The proposal cannot be made at a random location or at the Temple of Mara in Whiterun, which is the standard venue for most marriages in Skyrim. Due to the unique nature of vampire-human relationships in the game's lore, the wedding must take place in a specific, secluded location within the world.
To initiate the proposal, the player must locate Serana inside Castle Volkihar. She can usually be found in the castle's library, on the upper levels, or in her private chambers. The dialogue option "Ask Serana to marry you" will only become available once the Favor threshold is met. Selecting this option triggers a cutscene where Serana contemplates the request, often citing the dangers and complexities of a relationship between a vampire and a mortal.
The Wedding: Location and Logistics
If Serana accepts the proposal, the game prepares the player for the wedding ceremony. However, due to the inability of the default priest NPCs to perform mixed-species marriages, the player must take on the role of the officiant. This requires a specific item: an Amulet of Mara.
The Amulet of Mara is a unique item obtained by completing the "Amulethunt" quest, which is initiated by speaking to the priest at the Temple of Mara after the player has spent a night in jail for committing a crime. Once equipped, the player must use the Amulet's power to conduct the wedding ceremony. The ceremony itself takes place on a small, isolated island located in the lake directly in front of Castle Volkihar, providing a scenic and thematic backdrop for the union.
The Ceremony Steps
- Obtain the Amulet of Mara from the Temple of Mara.
- Travel to the island in front of Castle Volkihar.
- Use the Amulet of Mara while standing near the stone altar on the island.
- Select the dialogue option to "Marry" Serana.
Benefits and Considerations
So, why go through the trouble? Marrying Serana grants the player specific in-game benefits that reflect her unique nature as a powerful vampire. Upon marriage, Serana becomes a permanent follower who does not require payment or sustenance, though she will still accompany the player on quests and explorations.
Furthermore, she provides a permanent bonus to the player's Resistance to Disease and Poison, reflecting her vampire heritage. This is a significant advantage for players who frequently engage in combat with diseased enemies or poisons. It is important to note that while Serana is a follower, her vampire abilities mean she burns in sunlight, so players must manage her travel times accordingly or provide her with protective gear found throughout the game.
