The kissing continues for newlyweds Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald after he shares affectionate new photo

Newlyweds Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald love displaying their affection for each other now that they're married.

Ben posted a photo Monday on Instagram kissing his smiling wife on the cheek.

The Duggars do not allow their children to hold hands with the opposite sex until they are engaged, and they cannot give frontal hugs or kiss until they are married. 

Jessa and Ben were allowed to kiss after their pastor pronounced them man and wife, but chose to delay the special moment a bit longer. 

"They wanted their very first kiss ever to be in private," Pastor Mike Schadt explained. "It was important to the both of them."

Schadt also explained the couple's decision to the wedding guests, and asked Jessa's parents, Michelle and Jim Bob, to kiss instead.

The Seewalds shared their first public kiss last week on Instagram.

"It's great living life with your best friend! @ben_seewald" Jessa captioned the affectionate photo.

Jim Bob and Michelle followed suit by sharing a kissing photo of their own. Jessa posted the picture on her Instagram account. 

"This year marks 30 years of marriage, and they're still in that 'honeymoon' stage!" Jessa said. "It's great to see older married couples still so madly in love! I love you Mom & Dad! @duggarfam." 

Public displays of affection between Jessa and Ben came surprisingly early for fans of 19 Kids & Counting.

Last week's episode featured Ben's scavenger hunt marriage proposal and, surprisingly, a frontal hug and handholding between Ben and Jessa.

The night before the scavenger hunt, the Duggar family and Seewald gathered around together for prayer, and Michelle was surprised to see Ben and Jessa holding hands. 

Jim Bob said the handholding was acceptable because there were chaperones present, and because they were praying. 

After Jessa excitedly accepted Ben's proposal, the couple engaged in a full-frontal hug – something prohibited until marriage. Despite the bend in the rules, Michelle and Jim Bob expressed only joy following the proposal.

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.