Under the Adriatic sun and amid the centuries-old canals of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Amazon magnate Jeff Bezos and Mexican-born journalist Lauren Sánchez are preparing to celebrate one of the most expensive, exclusive, and controversial weddings of the century.
With a budget ranging from 10 to 30 million dollars, a movie-like logistical operation, and a guest list that includes the most exclusive figures from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and royalty, the event has turned Venice into a fortified stage and, at the same time, the epicenter of citizen protests.
A secret itinerary, but luxurious and extensive
The wedding takes place from June 24 to June 29 and features a carefully planned sequence of events:
June 25-26: arrival of guests on 90 private jets at Marco Polo Airport. The Aman, Gritti Palace, Cipriani, Danieli, and St. Regis hotels were fully booked to accommodate attendees.
June 27: ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, between the historic cloisters of the Cini Foundation and the Teatro Verde, a white stone amphitheater with a capacity of 1,500 people.
June 28: grand gala party at the Arsenale, featuring a performance by Lady Gaga and fireworks in front of St. Mark's Square.
During the week: tastings of local pastries led by Rosa Salva Venetia, and musical performances featuring artists such as Matteo Bocelli.
Among the venues reserved for the celebration is the Aman Venice, a seven-star hotel overlooking the Grand Canal, where George and Amal Clooney also tied the knot.
Guest list: the global elite
The list, although confidential, includes around 200-250 individuals and stands out for its diversity and media impact.
Among those confirmed or expected are:
Celebrities: Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, Eva Longoria, Mick Jagger, Oprah Winfrey.
Politicians and public figures: Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr., Queen Rania of Jordan.
Businessmen and billionaires: Bill Gates, Brian Grazer.
Many of them have arrived aboard five superyachts anchored in front of the lagoon.
Bezos and Sánchez, for their part, have been celebrating aboard the Koru, their iconic 127-meter, 500-million-dollar yacht, where they already celebrated Sánchez's son's birthday with a foam party.
27 Dresses and a Special Request
Lauren Sánchez has prepared a true haute couture showcase: it is said that there are 27 different dresses, with the main bridal design exclusively created by Óscar de la Renta.
Other models from Dolce & Gabbana and Galia Lahav will complement your glamorous wardrobe.
However, Bezos and Sánchez have surprised with an unusual request for their guests: "No gifts, please", they say in the invitation.
Instead of gifts, the couple requests donations to Venetian charitable causes, such as the UNESCO Office in Venice, the GORILA organization for lagoon habitat restoration, and the International University of Venice:
"This magical place has given us unforgettable memories. We hope that thanks to these efforts and your collaboration, Venice will continue to inspire wonder in generations to come," reads the letter received by the guests.
"This is oligarchy. It is obscene. While 60% live day to day and their children go hungry, Jeff Bezos, with a fortune of 230 billion dollars, travels to Venice on his 500 million dollar yacht for a 20 million dollar wedding and spends 5 million on a ring, while his actual tax rate is just 1.1%. Let’s put an end to this oligarchy!", wrote Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders on X.
An unexpected change of plans: From Renaissance art to a medieval fortress
Initially, the couple planned to hold the ceremony at the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a jewel of the Venetian Renaissance.
However, due to security concerns and the increasing pressure from citizen movements such as "No Space for Bezos", the event was discreetly moved to the Arsenale di Venezia, an ancient walled military shipyard that is easier to isolate and control.
This decision was also a response to the growing discontent among residents, who criticize the transformation of Venice into a "decorated city" for oligarchs, and to the fear of protests like the one on June 28, when activists will attempt to block access for guests to the historic center.
Protests, extreme security, and an urban debate
Despite the secrecy, the scale of the event has generated significant social backlash.
The group "No Space for Bezos" denounces that: “The Town Hall sees Venice as the golden goose,” in the words of local activist Marta Sottoriva.
The protest culminated with the installation of a 400 square meter banner in St. Mark's Square, signed by Greenpeace and "Everyone Hates Elon", featuring the message:
"If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can afford to pay higher taxes.""If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can also pay more taxes."
In response to the tension, Bezos has hired a team of former U.S. Marines to ensure the safety of the guests and has bolstered local logistics with 60 water taxis and 400 reserved gondolas, severely limiting public transport.
A commitment in the spotlight
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez got engaged in May 2023 while on vacation in the south of France.
Since their first appearance as a couple in 2019, they have been the subject of intense media coverage.
Bezos, founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, currently ranks among the wealthiest individuals on the planet. Sánchez, a journalist and entrepreneur, has combined her media career with projects in aviation and space.
The Bezos-Sánchez connection not only marks a milestone in terms of ostentation and logistics but also symbolizes a growing tension between excessive luxury and urban sustainability.
Venice, a jewel threatened by mass tourism and climate change, becomes this week a stage for both worlds: that of large-scale love and that of civic resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Wedding in Venice
When and where is the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez taking place?
The wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez will take place in Venice from June 24 to June 29, 2025. The main ceremony is scheduled for June 27 on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Who is invited to the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez?
The guest list includes between 200 and 250 personalities from the entertainment, political, and business worlds. Figures such as Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Ivanka Trump, and Bill Gates are among the confirmed guests.
Why has the wedding of Bezos and Sánchez sparked protests in Venice?
The wedding has sparked protests due to its ostentation and the impact on Venice, a city already affected by mass tourism and climate change. Activists criticize the event for turning the city into a "decorated city" for the elite.
What security measures have been taken for the wedding of Bezos and Sánchez?
A team of former U.S. Marines has been hired to ensure security, in addition to enhancing local logistics with water taxis and gondolas, limiting public transportation in the area.
What special request have Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez made to their guests?
The couple has requested that no gifts be made, but rather that donations be made to Venetian charitable causes, such as the UNESCO Office in Venice and the GORILA organization for habitat restoration.
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