Bezos and Sanchez’s star-studded Venice wedding brings Hollywood glamour to Italy

The Ultimate Celebrity Wedding: Bezos and Sanchez Bring Hollywood to Venice

Venice, Italy, has become the epicenter of glamour and luxury as Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, and his fiancée, journalist Lauren Sánchez, prepare to tie the knot. Their three-day wedding celebration is set to rival any royal affair, drawing a host of high-profile guests from Hollywood, politics, and finance. The extravaganza is expected to attract around 250 VIP guests, with nearly 90 private jets reportedly arriving in Venice[1][2].

The Venue and Celebrations

Initially, the couple planned to host a reception at the historic Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia in central Venice. However, due to protests from local residents and anti-Bezos groups, who argue that Venice is already strained by overtourism and should not be treated like a billionaire’s playground, the plans were altered. The wedding ceremony will now take place on the picturesque Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, off the coast of Venice, which has been transformed into a grand event space by the Giorgio Cini Foundation[1].

Following the nuptials, a luxurious dinner will be held at the Arsenal of Venice, a shipyard space on the city’s outskirts. This architectural gem was originally intended to host the reception before the change in venue[1]. The celebrations are costing between 40 to 48 million euros ($46-$56 million), making it one of the most expensive weddings of the year[2].

Guest List: A Who’s Who of Hollywood and Politics

The guest list reads like a roll call of the world’s elite, with names like Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg already spotted in Venice. Other notable attendees include Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Leonardo DiCaprio, who have been part of previous events associated with the couple[2]. The NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and his family, including his current wife, October Gonzalez—a close friend of Sanchez’s—have also arrived in Italy[2].

The Backlash

Despite the glamour and excitement surrounding the wedding, protests have erupted in Venice. Residents are upset about the strain on local resources and the perceived extravagance of the event. Protesters have displayed banners with messages urging Bezos to pay more taxes, highlighting the disparities between the billionaire’s wealth and the city’s financial struggles[1].

Social Media Buzz

The wedding has generated significant buzz on social media, with friends and attendees sharing snippets of the pre-wedding festivities. Charissa Thompson, a Fox Sports broadcaster, posted updates from Lake Como, where she was likely preparing for the big event[2]. The couple’s engagement parties, which included a yacht party on the Amalfi Coast, have also been the subject of media attention, further fueling public interest in the wedding[1].

As the wedding approaches, Venice is bracing for the influx of celebrities and the media frenzy that comes with hosting such a high-profile event. Despite protests, the city remains a breathtaking backdrop for what promises to be a weekend of unparalleled luxury and celebration. For more details on the wedding, including the guest list and venue, check out Business Insider’s coverage of the event.