Kevin Costner’s Ex-Wife Christine Baumgartner Marries Josh Connor in Intimate Santa Barbara Wedding
A new chapter has officially begun for Christine Baumgartner.
The former wife of Kevin Costner married financier Josh Connor on October 18 in an intimate ceremony at Santa Ynez Ranch, a private vineyard estate in Santa Barbara, California — not far from where Baumgartner grew up. According to reports, the wedding was a close-knit affair with just over 100 guests in attendance, including family members and children from both sides.
Those present described the atmosphere as deeply personal rather than Hollywood grand. One guest shared that the setting was “gorgeous,” but what truly stood out was the intimacy. “It felt like everyone there was witnessing something precious,” the attendee said.
Baumgartner reportedly wore a custom Mira Zwillinger gown adorned with delicate hand-embroidered florals and a sweetheart neckline for the ceremony. Later in the evening, she changed into a sleek white satin strapless reception dress featuring a side slit. Connor opted for a classic black tuxedo.
The couple’s relationship first drew public attention in July 2023 when they were spotted together in Hawaii. By January 2024, Connor proposed during a quiet beach moment in Santa Barbara. A source described the proposal as intimate and nearly private, noting that rain was approaching and the beach was nearly empty when he got down on one knee.
Their wedding comes a little over a year and a half after Baumgartner finalized her divorce from Costner in February 2024. The split followed nearly two decades of marriage and was widely covered due to both the emotional and financial complexities involved.
While rumors circulated at the time suggesting possible infidelity contributed to the breakdown of the marriage, no official confirmation of those claims was ever made. Costner previously expressed surprise at how events unfolded, which fueled speculation online, but both parties ultimately moved forward through legal proceedings.
As part of the divorce settlement, Costner agreed to pay $63,209 per month in child support — significantly less than the initial amount requested during court filings. Baumgartner also vacated the actor’s $145 million beachfront estate in Carpinteria, California.
For Costner, the period following the divorce was described by friends as challenging. Sources close to the Oscar winner said he appeared emotionally bruised and reflective during the process.
However, the “Horizon” filmmaker has also entered a new chapter. Costner is currently dating filmmaker and author Kelly Noonan Gores, known for her documentary Heal and the bestselling book of the same name.
Insiders say the relationship began quietly and has grown steadily over time. The two were spotted at the JS Labor Day Experience Festival in Aspen and have reportedly spent time together in Colorado in recent months. Though Costner resides in Carpinteria and Gores is based in Manhattan Beach, the pair are said to be navigating the distance thoughtfully.
“He’s dating and happy again after a very dark time,” one source shared. “They’re taking things slow.”
Friends describe their connection as natural and easy, noting shared interests in the outdoors, sports, and family life. Costner, a father of seven, is said to appreciate Gores’ grounded personality and love of children.
For now, both former spouses appear to be embracing fresh beginnings. Baumgartner and Connor are said to be focused on building what friends describe as an “authentic, joy-filled life.” Meanwhile, Costner is reportedly prioritizing stability and balance as he explores a new relationship.
Though public fascination with the former couple’s journey remains strong, those close to them suggest that time has created space for healing and forward momentum.
After a year marked by major transitions, it seems that both Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner are charting separate paths — each moving toward what they hope will be lasting happiness.
