When Ben Higgins first appeared on our TV screens, he was the guy who famously told two women he loved them. It was a mess. Fans wondered if he’d ever actually find "the one" without a camera crew following him into a hot tub. Fast forward to 2026, and the narrative has completely shifted. Ben isn't just another former reality lead; he’s a husband and a father, and it’s all thanks to a random DM he sent years ago.
Ben Higgins wife, Jessica Clarke (now Jessica Higgins), is basically the reason people still believe the franchise can result in a "normal" life. She wasn't a contestant. She didn't have a "villain edit." In fact, she hadn't even watched his season when they started talking.
Who is Jessica Clarke?
Jessica isn't just "the girl who married the Bachelor." She's a powerhouse in her own right. Born in 1995, she grew up in Mississippi and later Nashville. If you look at her background, she was a standout athlete—a distance runner at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). That grit probably helps when you’re married to someone who lives in the public eye.
Before she became Ben Higgins wife, Jessica was grinding in the professional world. She worked in integrated marketing and even sold postage meters—a job she’s admitted made her pretty miserable at times.
That dissatisfaction led to a massive pivot.
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She went back to school to become a licensed esthetician. Today, she runs her own skincare clinic, Just Skin Den, in Denver. She’s turned her personal struggle with cystic acne into a business that helps people feel comfortable in their own skin. Honestly, it's refreshing to see a "Bachelor spouse" who didn't just quit their job to sell hair vitamins on Instagram the second they got a ring.
The Instagram DM That Changed Everything
Their origin story is peak modern romance. It was 2018. Ben saw a picture of Jessica on the "Explore" page—specifically a photo of her at a hockey game.
He took a risk. He messaged her.
"I successfully slid into her DMs," Ben told People. It wasn't an immediate "happily ever after," though. They dated long-distance for a long time, with him in Denver and her in Nashville. They were incredibly intentional about their boundaries. Most notably, they were very open about the fact that they didn't live together or have sex until they were married in 2021.
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In a world of "Fantasy Suites," that was a pretty bold stance.
The 2021 Nashville Wedding
The wedding was a massive Bachelor Nation reunion. They tied the knot at The Estate in Cherokee Dock near Nashville. It was November 2021.
The guest list was a who’s who of the franchise:
- Wells Adams (who was a groomsman)
- Nick Viall
- Becca Kufrin
- Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti
But despite the star-studded guest list, the ceremony was deeply personal. They had scripture readings and, get this, quotes from Winnie-the-Pooh. They even left the reception on a pontoon boat.
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Life in 2026: Parenthood and Beyond
The biggest update for Ben Higgins wife and the former Bachelor is their new role as parents. In February 2025, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Winona "Winnie" Higgins.
The birth story was a bit of a roller coaster. Jess shared on the Almost Famous podcast that she labored for 36 hours. At one point, things got scary when the baby's heart rate dropped, and ten doctors rushed into the room.
Everything turned out fine, though. Winnie was born to the sound of Rihanna's "Please Don't Stop the Music." It’s a far cry from the dramatic rose ceremonies of the past.
As of early 2026, Ben is still busy with Generous Coffee and various hosting gigs—including the upcoming "Bachelor Nation Vacation at Sea" cruise in November—but Jessica remains the anchor of their home in Denver. She’s still running her clinic and sharing skin tips, all while navigating the "girl dad" era with Ben.
Key Facts About Jessica Clarke Higgins
- Career: Licensed Esthetician and owner of Just Skin Den.
- Education: Marketing degree from Ole Miss.
- Religion: Both she and Ben are vocal about their Christian faith.
- Family: Welcomed daughter Winona in early 2025.
If you’re looking to follow her journey, she’s most active on Instagram (@jessclarke_), where she mixes skincare advice with real-life updates about motherhood. For anyone interested in her professional work, her clinic in Denver specializes in acne treatments and results-driven skincare that avoids the "hustle culture" fluff.
The takeaway here? Ben Higgins might have been "unlucky in love" on TV, but by stepping outside the bubble and into a stranger's DMs, he found a partnership that has actually outlasted the fame of the show.