After a highly publicized divorce from film icon Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner has officially remarried financier Josh Connor in an intimate Santa Barbara ceremony, signaling a new chapter focused on family, philanthropy, and a life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
For fans who followed the journey of Christine Baumgartner, former wife of acclaimed actor Kevin Costner, her recent remarriage marks a significant new chapter. After navigating a high-profile divorce, Baumgartner has exchanged vows with financier Josh Connor in what sources describe as an authentic and deeply personal ceremony. This event highlights her clear intention to build a life centered on peace, family, and meaningful personal pursuits, far removed from the intense glare of Hollywood.
The Intimate Santa Barbara Celebration
The wedding ceremony took place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the picturesque Santa Ynez Ranch, a private vineyard estate nestled in Santa Barbara County, California. This choice of venue underscores the couple’s desire for a serene and personal affair, avoiding the grand spectacle often associated with celebrity nuptials. The outdoor ceremony unfolded right before sunset, creating a magical backdrop for their vows.
Approximately 100 close family members and friends gathered to witness the special occasion. Among the cherished guests were Baumgartner’s three children with Kevin Costner: Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace, 14. The festivities commenced with a welcoming ceremony on Friday, allowing guests to celebrate with the couple ahead of the main event. According to a guest who spoke to People, “it was magical — truly. The setting was gorgeous, but what made it special was the intimacy of it all. This wasn’t a big production.”
Baumgartner’s bridal attire reflected the understated elegance of the day. She walked down the aisle in a custom Mira Zwillinger gown, adorned with delicate hand-embroidered flowers. For the reception, she changed into a chic, strapless white satin dress by Lihi Hod, allowing her to comfortably enjoy the evening’s celebrations. Another guest observed that “the joy and laughter were infectious, from the welcome celebration Friday night to the last dance Saturday evening,” adding that “Christine and Josh were glowing.”
From Friendship to Forever: The Journey with Josh Connor
The romance between Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor has a foundation rooted in a long-standing friendship. They were close friends for many years, even during Baumgartner’s marriage to Kevin Costner. Connor, a financier, was notably a former neighbor to the Costner family in Santa Barbara. Their relationship transitioned from platonic to romantic in early 2024, several months after Baumgartner’s divorce from Costner was finalized.
Their engagement followed in January 2025, with Connor proposing on a quiet beach in Santa Barbara during what Baumgartner believed would be an intimate dinner for two. A source close to the couple shared details of the proposal with People, noting that “it was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee.” This natural progression of their relationship, stemming from a strong platonic bond, has been a key theme in their narrative. As a source previously told People, “Christine and Josh’s relationship started as a friendship, so they have a really strong foundation. They share the same values, and she feels so happy and supported in this new relationship.”
Moving On: Life After Costner
The journey to this new marriage followed a challenging period for Christine Baumgartner. Her divorce from Kevin Costner, after 18 years of marriage and three children together, was finalized in February 2024, approximately two years after she initially filed in May 2023. The proceedings drew considerable media attention, particularly regarding child support and their shared property.
During the divorce proceedings, Josh Connor’s name surfaced, as he had been a neighbor and friend. While Baumgartner’s lawyers initially insisted she and Connor were “just friends” during child support hearings in August 2023, TMZ later confirmed their romantic relationship had officially turned serious. Despite any public scrutiny, sources indicate Baumgartner remained focused on moving forward.
A Quiet Life Ahead: Philanthropy and Family Focus
Beyond her new marriage, Christine Baumgartner has been actively focusing on philanthropy. For over a decade, and particularly in the past year, she has dedicated her support to the OmniPeace Foundation. This nonprofit organization, founded by one of her close friends, is dedicated to bringing music education to under-resourced children. Her commitment extends to hands-on involvement, as she recently helped design and fund a “Music Box” in Long Beach, California.
This initiative involved transforming a classroom into a fully equipped music space, complete with instruments, art supplies, and a curriculum designed to empower students through music. This dedication to charitable causes, alongside her renewed focus on family and friends, illustrates Baumgartner’s commitment to building a life of purpose and quiet enjoyment, distinct from the demanding world of Hollywood often associated with her previous marriage.
