So, you’re scrolling through Instagram and you see Paul Wesley looking incredibly happy in a grainy, black-and-white photo. Naturally, the first thing that hits your brain is: wait, who is he actually with right now? If you’ve followed the Vampire Diaries star for more than a minute, you know his love life has been a bit of a whirlwind over the last decade.
But let’s cut to the chase.
Right now, Paul Wesley isn't just dating; he’s officially off the market. He is engaged to Natalie Kuckenburg, a successful German-Brazilian model. The two have been a thing for a few years now, but they recently took that massive next step. Honestly, it’s a relationship that has sparked a lot of chatter—some of it sweet, some of it a little skeptical—mostly because of the details surrounding how they met and, well, the age gap.
The Italy Proposal and Natalie Kuckenburg
If you think Stefan Salvatore was a romantic, Paul Wesley might actually give him a run for his money. In July 2025, the couple announced their engagement during a trip to Italy. It wasn't just any random vacation, though. They headed back to the Amalfi Coast, specifically the Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello.
This spot is huge for them. It’s actually where they went on their very first trip together back in 2022. Natalie posted a photo of the ring—a stunning oval-cut diamond—with a caption that read, "Yes. Always and forever." Simple. Classic. Very them.
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Natalie herself is pretty impressive. Aside from being signed to Iconic Management and walking for brands like Balmain and Chopard, she’s an entrepreneur. She launched a clothing line called Nareia, which focuses on handmade crochet pieces made by artisans in Brazil. She's also big into analog photography, often sharing film shots from their travels.
What People Are Actually Talking About (The Age Gap)
Look, we have to talk about the elephant in the room because the internet definitely is. Paul is currently 43. Natalie is 25.
There’s an 18-year difference there.
When they first went public, some fans were a bit weirded out. It didn’t help that photos surfaced recently of Paul meeting Natalie's mother, who is reportedly 49. Doing the math, that makes Paul only six years younger than his future mother-in-law. Social media, specifically Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), went into a bit of a meltdown over it. Some people feel like he’s "regressing" with each relationship, while others say, "Hey, they’re both adults, let them live."
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Paul doesn't seem to care about the noise. In a chat with People magazine, he mentioned that the secret to their relationship is basically just laughing all the time. He called her one of the two funniest "people" in his life—the other being his dog. If you can spend all day laughing with someone, the age on a birth certificate usually feels like a footnote.
A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane
To understand where Paul is now, you kinda have to look at where he’s been. This isn't his first time at the altar. Or his second.
- Torrey DeVitto: They were married from 2011 to 2013. You might remember her as Dr. Meredith Fell on TVD. They met on the set of Killer Movie and seemed like the "it" couple of the CW world for a while before things fizzled out.
- Phoebe Tonkin: This was the big one for fans. Paul and Phoebe (who played Hayley Marshall) dated on and off for about four years. They were the couple everyone wanted to stay together, but they officially called it quits in late 2017.
- Ines de Ramon: Paul married the jewelry designer in 2019. They kept things very private until they didn't. They separated in 2022, and their divorce was finalized in early 2024. Interestingly, Ines has since moved on with Brad Pitt, so everyone involved seems to be doing just fine.
Why This Relationship Feels Different
Unlike some of his past romances that felt very "Hollywood co-star," his life with Natalie seems a bit more grounded in his personal interests. They travel a lot. They share a love for Europe.
They also share a dog, and if you know anything about Paul, you know his dog is his world. Seeing Natalie fit into that dynamic so easily was probably a huge green flag for him.
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Despite the "Team Stefan" vs. "Team Damon" debates that still rage on 2010s-era forums, Paul has moved firmly into a new chapter. He’s balancing his role in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds with this new domestic life. While some fans still hope for a reunion with past flames, the "Always and forever" caption on that engagement post makes it pretty clear that he’s found his person.
Moving Forward
If you're looking to keep up with them, your best bet is Instagram. They aren't the type to do a million red-carpet interviews about their love life, but they do post plenty of "photo dumps" from their travels. Natalie often shares behind-the-scenes looks at her brand, Nareia, while Paul stays busy with his bourbon brand, Brother's Bond, and his acting gigs.
The wedding is expected to be a private affair, likely back in Europe given their history with Italy and Natalie's German roots. For now, the takeaway is simple: Paul Wesley is happy, engaged, and ignoring the critics of his 18-year age gap.
Check the following steps to stay updated on the couple:
- Follow @paulwesley and @nataliekuckenburg on Instagram for the latest travel photos.
- Look out for the launch of the latest Nareia collections if you're into sustainable fashion.
- Keep an eye on upcoming Star Trek press tours, where Natalie is likely to make an appearance by his side.