Christine Baumgartner’s recent wedding has triggered a storm of online reactions, with many taking issue with the timing, the dress, and what this means for her ex-husband’s wallet.
Christine Baumgartner, the former wife of Hollywood heavyweight Kevin Costner, has remarried. The 51-year-old ex-model and handbag designer exchanged vows with Josh Connor, a financier also aged 51, on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
A netizen reacts to the news of Christine Baumgartner’s marriage to Josh Connor, dated October 20, 2025 | Source: Facebook/TMZ
A Vineyard Affair Fit for a Rom-Com
The California-based pair tied the knot just before sunset in an outdoor ceremony at Santa Ynez Ranch, a secluded vineyard estate in Santa Barbara County, not far from where Baumgartner was raised.
Christine Baumgartner is seen on August 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Over 100 guests, including children from both of their previous relationships, gathered to witness the union. The wedding comes just over a year and a half after her explosive split from Costner was finalized.
People magazine was first to report the wedding news on Sunday, with TMZ later confirming the details. Though Baumgartner and Connor had known each other for years, their romance reportedly began in early 2024.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner attend the “Hidden Figures” New York special screening on December 10, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Social Media Explodes over White Dress and Whirlwind Timeline
Once the wedding news hit the internet, viewers wasted no time reacting. Critics focused on Baumgartner’s choice of bridal wear and how quickly she moved on from her Oscar-winning ex.
One stunned commenter wrote, “And she marries wearing white again???” Another added, “She wore white?! Too funny,” while a third scoffed, “Why do they wear white when it isn’t their first wedding?”
Others questioned how fast Baumgartner had gone from bitter courtroom battles to walking down the aisle again. “Wow that was fast😮,” one person posted.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner during their private wedding at his ranch on September 25, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Another remarked, “That didn’t take long lol,” and another fired off, “It’s a huge red flag when someone [ends] one marriage and gets into another within 12 seconds.”
Then came the speculation about Costner’s wallet. “Hopefully spousal support has ended for Kevin!!” one person cheered. “Guess no more spousal support for Kevin C, congrats to Kevin!!” echoed another.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner arrive for the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on February 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Rustic, Private Celebration Draws Praise from Guests
The wedding was just one part of a weekend-long celebration, which began with a welcome party for family and friends on Friday, October 17. Guests described the event as unpretentious and family-centered.
Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor are pictured during their wedding, dated October 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/people
The wedding ceremony itself and the reception took place against the backdrop of the 100-acre vineyard, with décor that embraced the natural setting’s rustic elegance.
Baumgartner wore two gowns over the course of the day. For the ceremony, she chose a custom Mira Zwillinger gown adorned with hand-embroidered flowers and a sweetheart neckline.
Christine Baumgartner pictured during her wedding, dated October 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/people
She later changed into a white satin strapless dress by Lihi Hod, featuring a sweetheart neckline and dramatic side slit. Connor wore a custom-tailored black tuxedo.
Guests praised the event for its warmth and intimacy. One said, “It was magical — truly […] It was authentic, heartfelt, and so very them. Everyone there felt like they were witnessing something really precious.”
Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor are pictured during their wedding ceremony, dated October 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/people
Another added, “The joy and laughter were infectious, from the welcome celebration Friday night to the last dance Saturday evening. Christine and Josh were glowing. And there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd during the ceremony.”
From Private Beaches to a Ring: Baumgartner and Connor’s Road to the Altar
According to a close friend of the newlyweds, they are most excited about “building an authentic, joy-filled life together.” The friend shared, “They are embracing the peace of this new beginning — focusing on the everyday moments that matter most.”
Christine Baumgartner is seen on May 4, 2023 in Santa Barbara, California | Source: Getty Images
Connor popped the question on January 26, 2025, during what Baumgartner believed would be a simple dinner in Santa Barbara. A source said the beach was nearly deserted as a storm loomed, giving Connor the perfect moment to propose.
The engagement came just a year after her divorce from Costner was finalized in February 2024. The pair were first spotted together in Hawaii in July 2023. By January 2024, a friend confirmed to People that they were dating.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
That December, another source described the romance as one built on friendship and shared values. Each of them has three children from their previous marriages.
Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner, and their children at El Capitan Theater on August 01, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Costner Divorce Left Scars, Courtroom Drama, and a Bitter Settlement
Baumgartner filed for divorce on May 1, 2023, listing April 11 as their separation date. After 18 years of marriage and three children — Cayden, Hayes, and Grace — the breakup quickly turned into a legal firestorm.
Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner, and their children at the World Premiere of Disney’s “McFarland, USA” on February 9, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Baumgartner demanded $248,000 a month in child support, claiming it was necessary to maintain the children’s accustomed lifestyle. Costner, through his legal team, contested the request, and the judge agreed.
The court ruled in Costner’s favor, reducing the payments to $63,000 a month and enforcing their prenuptial agreement. Baumgartner was also ordered to vacate their home by the end of July 2023. A source close to Costner later said he felt “relieved” by the ruling.
Kevin Costner on the red carpet for “Horizon: An American Saga” at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Strategic Exit? Costner Accuses Baumgartner of Planning Ahead
The divorce didn’t end quietly. Costner later alleged that Baumgartner had begun planning her exit before filing. He cited unauthorized cash advances taken on staff credit cards and her purchase of a personal vehicle, something they had never done before.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner attend the Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party on February 1, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
He claimed the move was strategic, as the prenuptial agreement allowed her to keep the car. But Baumgartner pushed back on the claims. “A myriad of false statements that are no doubt included to play to the press and ‘smear’ me in the media,” she stated. “I will not address each one.”
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner attend the premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Yellowstone” on June 11, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
In June 2024, Costner appeared on “CBS Mornings” and publicly addressed the heartbreak. “That’s a crushing moment. Yeah, it’s powerful. It hurt. But I go forward. I have no choice. My children are looking at me, so I can’t wilt like a daisy. I have to go forward,” he said.
Christine Baumgartner during Open Range Hollywood premiere in November 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Since her split from Costner, Baumgartner has kept a notably low profile. A source said she welcomed the break from attention, choosing instead to focus on family and her relationship with Connor.
She also stayed committed to philanthropy, continuing her work with the OmniPeace Foundation, which supports music education for underprivileged children. Most recently, she helped design and fund a “Music Box” classroom in Long Beach, California, filled with instruments and art for young students.
