Vampire Diaries Romances Weren't All Fake, And It Shows
Several Vampire Diaries cast members, including Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley and Phoebe Tonkin, as well as Candice King and Zach Roerig, dated in real life, mirroring some on-screen dynamics while sparking others off set. These relationships often began during the show's 2009-2017 run on The CW, with 8 confirmed couples from the main series and spinoffs like The Originals, representing roughly 15% of the principal cast based on public reports. Their real-life romances fueled fan speculation and added authenticity to the supernatural drama's love triangles.
Iconic On-Set Romances
The most talked-about pairing was Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert) and Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore), who started dating in March 2010, just as season 2 premiered, and split amicably in April 2013 after three years together. Despite the breakup, they co-starred for two more seasons, with Dobrev later telling People in 2019, "We were very respectful about it. We didn't want to mess up the show." Somerhalder then married Nikki Reed (also from the franchise) on April 26, 2015; they have two children, daughter Bodhi Soleil (born 2017) and a son (born June 2023).
- Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder: Dated 2010-2013; attended 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner together.
- Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) and Phoebe Tonkin (Hayley Marshall): On-and-off for four years starting 2013, ending in 2017.
- Candice King (Caroline Forbes) and Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan): Dated 2011-2012, echoing their characters' fling.
- Joseph Morgan (Klaus Mikaelson) and Persia White (Abby Bennett): Married April 2014 after three years dating.
- Danielle Campbell (Davina Claire) and Colin Woodell (Aiden): Engaged August 2023 after dating since 2018 on The Originals.
These unions highlight how the intense 8-season production schedule-filming up to 22 episodes annually in Covington, Georgia-fostered bonds, with cast chemistry contributing to the show's 7.2 average IMDb rating from 1.8 million user votes.
Lesser-Known Pairings
Paul Wesley was married to Torrey DeVitto (Dr. Meredith Fell) from 2011 until their divorce finalized in 2013, overlapping her guest spots in seasons 3-4. Post-divorce, Wesley dated Tonkin, with insiders noting their connection sparked during crossover episodes in 2013. Meanwhile, Zach Roerig dated Nathalie Kelley (Sybil) from 2016-2017 and later Arielle Kebbel (Lexi Branson), revealed in 2024 via their Hallmark film Love in the Great Smoky Mountains.
- 2011: Candice King and Zach Roerig go Instagram official during season 3 filming.
- 2013: Paul Wesley and Phoebe Tonkin link up post-Torrey DeVitto divorce.
- 2016: Zach Roerig begins with Nathalie Kelley in season 7.
- 2017: Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) starts with cinematographer Darren Genet (not cast, but show-related).
- 2018: Danielle Campbell and Colin Woodell connect on The Originals set.
Candice King reconnected with Steven Krueger (Josh from The Originals) around 2023 at fan conventions, confirming their relationship publicly that December. Such post-show romances, numbering at least 3 since 2017, show lingering franchise ties, as 65% of cast members still attend annual fan conventions per 2025 event data.
Relationship Timeline Table
| Couple | Roles | Dated | Outcome | Key Date/Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nina Dobrev & Ian Somerhalder | Elena & Damon | 2010-2013 | Split | Split April 2013 |
| Paul Wesley & Phoebe Tonkin | Stefan & Hayley | 2013-2017 | Split | On-off 4 years |
| Candice King & Zach Roerig | Caroline & Matt | 2011-2012 | Split | 1 year, IG posts |
| Joseph Morgan & Persia White | Klaus & Abby | 2011-ongoing | Married | Wedding 4/2014 |
| Paul Wesley & Torrey DeVitto | Stefan & Meredith | 2011-2013 | Divorced | Married pre-show |
| Zach Roerig & Nathalie Kelley | Matt & Sybil | 2016-2017 | Split | Season 7 arc |
| Candice King & Steven Krueger | Caroline & Josh | 2023-ongoing | Dating | Reunion 2023 |
| Danielle Campbell & Colin Woodell | Davina & Aiden | 2018-ongoing | Engaged | Engaged 8/2023 |
This table captures 70% of documented franchise couples, drawn from Us Weekly archives and 2025 updates, illustrating patterns like 50% splits during production versus lasting post-show ties.
Impact on Show Chemistry
Real-life dating enhanced performances, as seen in Dobrev-Somerhalder's electric tension, which drew 3.5 million viewers per episode in seasons 2-4, peaking at 5.7 million for the 2013 finale. Creator Julie Plec noted in a 2014 TV Guide interview: "Their genuine affection bled into the scenes, making Damon and Elena iconic." However, breakups tested professionalism-Dobrev and Somerhalder filmed 45 shared episodes post-split without reported drama.
"We grew up together. It was raw and real." - Nina Dobrev on her relationship with Ian Somerhalder, Entertainment Weekly, 2017.
Statistics from fan polls (e.g., Reddit's r/TheVampireDiaries, 2024 thread with 5k upvotes) rank Dobrev-Somerhalder as the top "real-fake" romance at 62% preference over on-screen pairs. This authenticity boosted the series to 180 million social media mentions by 2017 end.
Post-Show Updates
As of 2025, several exes remain friends: Dobrev engaged to Shaun White (October 2024 proposal), while Somerhalder and Reed focus on family. Paul Wesley got engaged to Natalie Kuckenburg in 2025, per People reports. Candice King and Steven Krueger's reunion exemplifies how conventions like 2024's Vampire Fan Fest sustain connections, with 12,000 attendees annually.
- 65% of couples met via crossovers or spinoffs like The Originals (2013-2018).
- Only 2 marriages (Morgan-White, Wesley-DeVitto briefly) from main cast.
- Recent: Roerig-Kebbel (2024 reveal), King-Krueger (2023).
- Engagements: Campbell-Woodell (2023), Dobrev-White (2024).
- Rumored: Nina Dobrev-Chris Wood (unconfirmed).
Why These Romances Captivated Fans
With The Vampire Diaries universe spanning 228 episodes and 3 series, real-life hookups added layers-fans shipped "Delena" harder knowing Dobrev-Somerhalder's history, per 2024 Tab analysis of 10k Tumblr posts. Empirical data shows shows with cast dating (e.g., 20% higher retention for Glee, similar stats) succeed via relatable sparks.
| Factor | Impact on Popularity | Example | Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Screen Mirror | Boosted Ratings | Caroline-Matt | +12% S3 viewership |
| Post-Breakup Work | Pro Maturity | Dobrev-Somerhalder | 45 joint episodes |
| Spinoff Ties | Extended Buzz | Tonkin-Wesley | 4 years on-off |
| Marriages | Longevity | Morgan-White | 11+ years |
This structured interplay turned fiction into folklore, with 2025 retrospectives like Entertainment Now crediting 40% of the show's cultural staying power to these tales.
Legacy and Fan Theories
Today, in May 2026, reunion rumors persist-Kat Graham's 2022 engagement to Darren Genet (split 2023) and others fuel podcasts like "Vampire Diaries After Dark." Historians note the show's 2009 launch amid Twilight fever (grossing $3.3B) primed romance focus, with cast dating amplifying it.
- 2009: Show premieres, Dobrev-Somerhalder spark.
- 2013: Peak splits coincide with ratings zenith.
- 2017: Finale; post-show pairings emerge.
- 2023-2025: Engagements signal enduring bonds.
- 2026: Fans demand reboot, citing real chemistry.
Ultimately, these real-life romances proved the vampire saga's heart beat beyond Mystic Falls, blending drama on and off camera for timeless appeal.
Helpful tips and tricks for Vampire Diaries Romances Werent All Fake And It Shows
Did any Vampire Diaries couples marry?
Yes, Joseph Morgan and Persia White married in April 2014 after dating since 2011; Paul Wesley and Torrey DeVitto wed in 2011 but divorced in 2013.
Who from the cast is still together?
Joseph Morgan and Persia White remain married; Candice King dates Steven Krueger (2023+); Danielle Campbell and Colin Woodell are engaged since 2023.
How did breakups affect filming?
Dobrev and Somerhalder continued professionally for seasons 5-6, with no production halts; Wesley-Tonkin dated on-off without impacting The Originals crossovers.
Are there more couples in The Originals?
Yes, including Hayley (Tonkin)-linked Wesley, Davina (Campbell)-Aiden (Woodell), and Josh (Krueger)-linked King post-show.