The Duggar family is known for having whirlwind relationships — in no time at all, members of the 19 Kids and Counting family pass the courtship stage and get engaged, and before we know it, they're married and having babies. It's the way they like to do things, but even though many of the Duggars have become parents soon after they're married, the Counting On couples have still have managed to sneak away for regular date nights, keeping their relationships strong (and having fun, whether the kids are tagging along or not).
Over the years, we've seen Jill and Derick Dillard out to dinner or spending weekends away when they get the chance, while Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo have been all about discovering new eateries in Los Angeles. Having that quality time is so important in keeping a relationship strong, and that seems to be something that the Duggars take seriously.
Here are all the cutest photos from Duggar date nights over the years. If anyone needs a little inspiration for a romantic night of their own, these photos just might help. Don't forget to take plenty of pics in the process like these lovebirds always do!
A Birthday Surprise
Just a year into their marriage — and before they became parents — Jeremy surprised Jinger with a romantic birthday dinner in their home in Texas. She looks so happy, and her description of the day's events make it sound like one dreamy date.
"I was taken out for a lovely lunch by my husband, and we enjoyed a special afternoon together," she wrote. "But the big surprise came after we returned home from a church event later in the evening: I walked in on a candlelight dinner in our living room with sparkling cider, white chocolates, flowers, and a meal from one of my favorite restaurants awaiting me as Andrea Bocelli sang in the background."
A Rebellious Evening
Amy and Jill Duggar have both effectively been ostracized by the family, but at least they're sticking together. Jill and Derick met up with her cousin Amy and her husband, Dillon, at the bar and restaurant they own and the foursome seemed to have a blast on their double date. What we wouldn't give to hear their conversation!
Flying High
Not only is John David Duggar a trained pilot, but he's also obsessed with flying — and it looks like it took no time at all to get Abbie into the skies with him. Here, they're celebrating Valentine's Day by taking a flight together. This is definitely one of the most unusual Duggar dates of all.
Baby on Board
Kendra and Joe Duggar are too cute! This was probably their last date night before daughter Brooklyn was born in early 2021, officially making them parents of three. It's good to see that they got to spend that extra alone time together, because three kids under the age of 3 is a pretty wild time.
A Couples' Retreat
Thanks to Austin Forsyth's parents who step in to babysit, Joy-Anna and Austin are able to get away without their kids pretty often, and sometimes, that includes a weekend of renewing their marriage. When this photo was taken, they were off to a couples' retreat — something we've seen various Duggars do at one time or another.
A Grocery Date
Anything can be a date if you decide it is, including grocery shopping — in fact, sometimes that's the only way you can actually have a date with three busy little ones at home! All that matters is that Jessa and Ben Seewald seemed to have a blast at the store. Who doesn't love strolling through Whole Foods?
A Night In
After the birth of their daughter, Evangeline Jo, Jeremy and Jinger started having a lot more date nights at home — it's hard to go out with an infant and a toddler, after all. This meant that they played a lot of card games, like Phase 10, and even though it was a simple date, they still seemed to be having a blast.
A Car Date
Babysitters aren't always available, and that means it's time to get creative. This happened for Jill and Derick with sons Israel and Samuel in the backseat as they had a "progressive" date night. Taking a tour of local drive-thrus, they got drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert, and even included their kids in some of the fun.
Beachy Fun
Jed Duggar is the most recently married member of the family, so we have a feeling that he and his new wife, Katey, are having more dates than anyone else in the family these days. One of the earliest glimpses we got of this couple was seeing them have a romantic beach day on their honeymoon. Swipe over to see a movie-worthy kiss!
DIY Dating
Considering how much Joy and Austin love flipping houses (they even made it their business), it's no surprise that they turned a house project into a fun night to spend together. Not to mention the fact that the tile work they did (swipe over to see!) looks incredible.
Double Date
Since they live across the country from each other, it's not all that often that Jessa and Jinger get to spend time together, so when the opportunity for a double date with their men arrives, of course they're going to take advantage — even when one of their babies has to come along.
Hitting the Town
This one is a bit of a throwback, but we love it anyway. Jill explained in her caption that this picture was taken when she and Derick were out on a day date in Little Rock, Arkansas, which was about a three-hour drive from their home in Springdale. So much fun!
On the Water
The love and happiness between John and Abbie is always so palpable, especially here, while they were on a date at the lake. And fortunately, they were able to be baby-less for this outing thanks to Grace's Aunt Jana.
"My favorite place to be is with you!!!" Abbie wrote in her caption. "Thanks to @janamduggar for babysitting so we could sneak away for a few hours!"
Joy's Favorite Things
Here's more proof that Joy and Austin are total soul mates. For Joy's birthday in 2020, Austin planned a full weekend for Joy at a hotel, and he did all her favorite things with her, which included watching Hallmark movies and wearing cozy bath robes. Yep, that's the dream!
Valentine's Date
Though Jinger and Jeremy admitted that they brought a tiny Felicity along for this particular date, they still managed to dress up and go out for Valentine's Day, even as the parents of a baby. And they both looked great — that pink dress is perfect for the holiday.
Out to Dinner
Jinger and Jeremy always manage to find time to sneak away without the kids — that's definitely something we admire about them. There aren't many dinner dates that go by without these two sharing a selfie, and we're loving how happy they look to be spending some quality time together.
Dinner & Drinks
As the only members of the Duggar family who partake in drinking alcohol (at least, as far as we know), it was shocking the first time we saw Jill out to dinner with Derick and drinking a cocktail. But she and Derick look so happy and relaxed that it's obvious the changes they've been making are all for the better.
Side by Side
Talk about a throwback photo! Ben and Jessa were just in the beginning of their marriage when this photo was taken — they look so young here. It's hard to believe they already have a full house with four children — so much has changed since then.
Mom & Dad's Night Out
Though they've since added a third baby to their crew, this was Kendra and Joe's first date night out without the baby after their second child, Addison, was born.
"First time out with just the two of us since sweet Addison arrived! It feels so strange not carrying a diaper bag and a car seat with us everywhere," they wrote at the time.
A Fun Day Out
OK, this is too sweet. When Lauren Duggar shared these photos from a date with Josiah while she was pregnant with Bella, she revealed that he had planned an entire day of activities to surprise her with, including a picnic. She's one lucky lady — and she'll have these memories forever.
