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Venice, Italy shimmered with star power as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez brought the city’s Grand Canal to a standstill for what is already being described as the wedding of the century. Spanning three days of extravagant celebrations, the nuptials transformed Venice into a playground for a who’s who of international celebrities, athletes, business leaders, and royalty.
The much-anticipated wedding was shrouded in secrecy. The opulent event was held on the secluded San Giorgio island, just across the water from the iconic St. Mark’s Square. Security was tight, with water taxis ferrying guests through the lagoon while police enforced a no-go zone to ensure privacy. Details of the main ceremony only became public after Lauren Sánchez shared a radiant photo on Instagram, revealing her elegant white gown as she stood alongside Bezos, who was dressed in a classic tuxedo.
Bezos and Sánchez attracted some of the world’s most famous faces to Venice. The guest list was a testament to their immense influence, including industry giants and entertainment icons. Among the high-profile attendees were:
Photographers and paparazzi trailed the wedding parties and their glamorous water taxi arrivals, vying for glimpses of the star-studded crowd. This immense gathering of international celebrities was confirmed by major news outlets, including detailed recaps of who was spotted in the City of Canals and images of famous guests exploring Venice’s streets ahead of the big day. For a roundup of all the celebrities in attendance, see coverage by The Independent and InStyle.
The celebrations extended beyond the ceremony, with gala parties and receptions set in locations both historic and picturesque. The couple were seen enjoying themselves at the Aman Venice hotel on the Grand Canal, interacting with press and fans. According to reports, the festivities were not just about luxury: those close to Bezos and Sánchez stated that approximately 80% of the wedding provisions were sourced from Venetian vendors, a gesture to honor the city’s traditions and support local businesses.
Musical performances added another layer of exclusivity, with anticipated appearances by stars like Lady Gaga and Elton John. The full scale and price tag of the wedding — estimated at around $50 million — made headlines worldwide, further cementing its status as an unmatched spectacle. For more background on the event’s grandeur and guest lists, see further details from People.
While many Venetians welcomed the spectacle, not everyone in the city was pleased by the billionaire wedding. Protesters staged demonstrations in St. Mark’s Square, some wearing masks and carrying placards calling attention to climate change and Venice’s ongoing struggle with overtourism and soaring housing costs. One activist group, Extinction Rebellion, dramatized their discontent with a mock bride and groom, while others referenced the reported 27 outfits worn by Lauren Sánchez throughout the wedding weekend. Some protests reportedly prompted the organizers to move parts of the festivities to more secure, less congested areas of Venice.
City officials publicly defended the wedding, emphasizing Venice’s long history as a cosmopolitan destination welcoming visitors from every walk of life. In a gesture of goodwill and support for the local environment, Bezos reportedly donated €1 million (approximately $1.17 million) each to three local environmental research organizations dedicated to safeguarding Venice’s future.
“The planet is burning but don’t worry, here’s the list of the 27 dresses of Lauren Sánchez,” read one protest sign — a pointed reference to the scale and style of the celebrations.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding will be remembered as one of the most high-profile social events of the year: a collision of wealth, influence, and tradition set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice’s canals. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, served as both a symbol of timeless romance and a focal point of modern global celebrity culture.
For continued updates and exclusive images from the wedding festivities, visit AP News.
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