Jed Duggar is the latest member of the family to get married. The 22-year-old married Katey Nakatsu on Saturday, April 3, 2021.
A representative for the Duggar family told People that the wedding was pretty small. "The couple was married in a private ceremony Saturday with family and close friends in attendance. It was a beautiful ceremony and the entire family is so happy for them."
Jed also issued his own statement celebrating his marriage: "For a long time I have prayed for my future spouse, not knowing who that person would be. God answered my prayers far beyond what I could have ever imagined in Katey."
Jed continued: "We have enjoyed quietly developing our relationship over the past year and every moment together has been amazing! I'm so grateful God brought Katey into my life and excited to share with you all that today she became my wife. Katey, the thought of sharing the rest of my life with you makes me the happiest man in the world! I love you so much! #happilyeverafter."
Jed's family were quick to offer their own congratulations on social media. His parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, wrote, "We are overjoyed about adding another daughter-in-love to our family. Jed and Katey have enjoyed a quiet, low-key relationship that has allowed them to prepare for a beautiful life together."
They added, "Congrats to this wonderful couple on their wedding day! We are excited to see how their story continues to unfold in the future. Jed, we are so pleased with the man you've become, and Katey, we are absolutely delighted that you have joined the family!"
This enthusiasm surprised some, as rumors that Jim Bob and Michelle didn't approve of Jed's relationship have floated around online for about a year. The Duggars typically announce when their children are courting, but Jed's March 2021 engagement announcement surprised many because no one had ever mentioned he was in a relationship at all.
The Hollywood Gossip has speculated that part of the reason the Duggars have kept Jed and Katey's courtship a secret is because her parents are divorced, and the Duggars don't believe in divorce.
Others have claimed that the marriage was arranged by Katey's dad, Kori, and Jim Bob himself. Katie Joy from Without a Crystal Ball wrote that "families that practice betrothal often don’t allow the couples to have any physical contact.
"I'm told the arrangement was between the two fathers. They were courting for about a year before the betrothal ceremony."
People also believe that Katey might have been matched with Jed's twin, Jeremiah, first. Rumors flew that Katey and Jeremiah were courting in early March 2021.
Whatever their initial feelings were about the relationship, it seems that the Duggar parents have warmed to it by now. The Sun reported that the pair bought Jed and Katey a three-bedroom home in Arkansas. The family has a tradition of gifting their children homes when they get married, though the price tags can vary significantly.
For example, while the home purchased for Jed came with a price tag of $365,000, the family spent only $30,000 on a home they purchased in 2010 and later sold to Joy-Anna for $1.
Another interesting tidbit: Apparently, fans aren't the only ones who were surprised by Jed's big news! The Sun also states that no one knew Jed was engaged until wedding invitations went out: "Literally no one knew about this until they got the invitation. Family and friends were stunned that not only was Jed dating but that he was engaged and getting married in two weeks."
