‘Counting On’ Star Jason Duggar, 24, Gets Engaged on the Beach — But His New Fianceé’s Name Sparks Questions

The Duggar family is gearing up for another wedding! Jason Duggar, the 12th-born child of Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar, is officially engaged to his girlfriend, Maddie Grace. The couple shared the exciting news on Instagram, delighting fans with beautiful photos from the beachside proposal.

On August 30, Maddie announced the engagement with an Instagram post captioned, “On 8/24, Jase asked me to marry him, and I could not be more excited!!” She expressed gratitude to their engagement photographer, writing, “Thank you @kaylajohnsonphoto_ for capturing this special moment so beautifully 🫶 #spring2025.” Jason couldn’t contain his joy and commented, “She said yes!!❤️💍.”

The couple’s announcement included a series of heartwarming photos showcasing the romantic moment. The first picture showed the couple standing side by side, gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes.

Jason, 24, wore a casual brown polo shirt and black pants, while Maddie looked stunning in a brown dress with red details. The backdrop was a breathtaking display: a large heart-shaped arch covered in red roses with a neon sign reading “Will You Marry Me?” Below the sign were white roses and candles, creating a picture-perfect setting.

The other photos in the post captured Maddie resting her head on Jason’s chest, the couple embracing, and Jason going down on one knee for a romantic proposal.

While the couple’s announcement was met with excitement, fans had mixed reactions to some details. Several comments centered around Maddie already using the Duggar surname on her social media account. One user questioned, “Since your last name says Duggar, are you already married??” Another added, “Why has she already changed her last name?!? Shouldn’t that be done on the wedding day?”

Some fans were puzzled, asking,“Is this just a proposal? Why is her name ‘Duggar’ already?” Despite the questions, many were quick to congratulate the happy couple. One fan exclaimed, “CONGRATULATIONS. WHAT A PROPOSAL.” Another expressed joy, writing, “These engagements and weddings just keep coming! Congratulations!!!❤️🥳” A different user shared, “The moment we’ve been waiting for!😮❤️”

The couple’s engagement photographer, Kayla Johnson, also took to social media to share highlights from the special day. In a touching caption accompanying a video, Kayla praised the couple’s bond, writing, “The beach never looked better, congratulations to Jason & Maddie! 🙌🏽🤍✨.”

She described the couple as having “the sweetest relationship” she had ever seen, adding, “Jase is the most intentional, kind human, and Maddie matches that energy perfectly.”

Kayla’s heartfelt message continued, “She truly is the most beautiful ball of light in any room. I couldn’t imagine a cuter duo, and I cannot wait to see them officially become one!! What a joy it is to watch God do something beautiful between two people.”

The engagement video shared by Kayla beautifully captured the magic of the moment. Jason and Maddie were seen strolling hand in hand along the beach, smiling widely as they approached the setup.

The video highlighted moments of the couple’s pure joy, concluding with them dancing and embracing each other under the romantic neon-lit backdrop. The setting sun and deepening evening sky created a magical, almost fairy-tale-like ambiance, capturing the joy of their special moment.

Jason and Maddie’s engagement announcement followed nearly three months of courtship and occasional social media appearances that hinted at their blossoming romance.

Jason first made their relationship Instagram official in late May when he shared photos of the two enjoying a sunny day at the beach.

The “Counting On” star simply captioned the post with a white heart emoji and refrained from tagging Maddie or mentioning her name.

The couple’s bond continued to grow, and they were seen celebrating the Fourth of July together. In photos shared on Jason’s Instagram, the pair appeared relaxed and happy as they enjoyed the summer holiday.

Maddie was dressed in a casual white sweater with “USA” emblazoned across the front, paired with denim shorts and sandals, while Jason sported a white t-shirt, black shorts, and a cap, embracing a laid-back, patriotic look. One photo captured Maddie playfully riding on Jason’s back, both of them grinning widely, clearly enjoying each other’s company.

Another image showed them side by side, Maddie leaning into Jason with a contented smile, highlighting their easygoing and affectionate relationship.

A final image featured the pair reversing roles, with Maddie supporting Jason’s weight on her back as they both flashed big smiles.

The couple also attended the wedding of Jason’s older sister, Jana Duggar last month. Jana married Stephen Wissmann, 34, on August 15 at The Grand at Willow Springs in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.

The surprise ceremony was intimate, with the scenic venue adding a touch of charm and elegance to the event. Jason and Maddie were seen posing with the then-newlyweds while also stealing a moment or two to display their romantic side.

Jana’s wedding ceremony was described as “classic and elegant,” with 500 guests, including the Duggar family and close friends. This event was a dream come true for the 34-year-old author and television personality, known as the eldest Duggar daughter.

Jana, who has long spoken about her hopes of finding love, looked radiant as she walked down the aisle in an off-the-shoulder ivory satin ball gown. Her father, Jim Bob Duggar, proudly escorted her, while the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” played in the background.

Jana’s sister, Jessa Duggar Seewald, served as maid of honor. The bridal party featured her sisters Joy-Anna, Johannah, Jinger, Jordyn, and sister-in-law Abbie.

The bridesmaids wore champagne-colored dresses that beautifully complemented the simple yet elegant decor of white flowers and greenery. The men wore classic black suits, which added to the timeless feel of the ceremony.

The couple, who got engaged on June 15, chose to keep the wedding decor minimal to emphasize the venue’s natural beauty. “The venue is already so gorgeous and picturesque that I didn’t want to take too much from that,” Jana explained.

During their wedding, the family was at the heart of the celebration, with both Jana and Stephen’s large families playing significant roles throughout the day. For the couple, involving their loved ones was a top priority.

“Coming from two bigger families, we love to be able to get together and celebrate moments like these,” Jana shared. Stephen, one of 13 siblings, shares this close-knit family bond, making the day even more special.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds arrived at their reception venue, where guests enjoyed a formal dinner prepared by Stephen’s family, renowned for their culinary skills. The meal featured a spread of chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, and coleslaw.

“Because we’re doing an evening wedding, I envisioned this more formal, sit-down dinner,” Jana explained. “The Wissmanns are incredible cooks. They’ve been working on it, and I’m like, ‘Just do it. I trust y’all. Y’all make amazing food.’” For dessert, guests were treated to a three-tier lemon raspberry cake, complemented by an array of cupcakes.

The reception was filled with lively interactions, including games and heartfelt toasts that added a personal touch to the evening.

One of Jana’s brothers-in-law took on the role of emcee, ensuring that the celebration was full of joy and laughter. The couple’s first dance as husband and wife was one of the evening’s highlights, followed by the traditional bouquet toss.

As Jason and Maddie plan their wedding for spring 2025, fans are eagerly watching their journey unfold. From their Instagram debut to the stunning beachside proposal, the couple’s story has captivated many.

And with Jason’s family continuing to grow through marriages and new additions, it seems the Duggars will have plenty more reasons to celebrate in the coming years