Celebrity Gossip Swirls from Jeff Bezos’ Star-Studded Venice Wedding

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Lavish Venice Wedding: All the Unfiltered Celebrity Moments

Venice has seen its share of grand spectacles, but few matched the buzz surrounding Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s extravagant wedding, reported to cost a staggering $20 million. For three days, the city was transformed into the world’s most exclusive stage for celebrities, luxury, and a distinct lack of coordination on Venetian docks.

A Parade of Stars—And Slippery Docks

The festivities kicked off at the historic Madonna dell’Orto church, with a convoy of around 30 water taxis ferrying guests through the storied canals. Queen Rania of Jordan, Ellie Goulding, and Sydney Sweeney were among the surprise arrivals, joining a guest list that also included luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, Orlando Bloom, and Diane von Fürstenberg, among others. According to PEOPLE, Queen Rania dazzled in a pink gown, looking every inch the royal as she navigated the wobbly water taxi in true Venetian style.

But the real drama wasn’t just in the vows—it was on the docks. Celebrities in designer heels faced the ultimate challenge: not tumbling into the canal as they tried to board. Oprah Winfrey offered a relatable moment, confiding to a porter that she needed help with her gown and murmuring, “Let me hold onto you. Don’t let me fall. Be careful with me.” Even the queen of composure sounded just like the rest of us after a long night out.

In a less-than-glamorous moment, Tommy Hilfiger was overheard questioning the logistics—“Why do we need to stand here?”—before reportedly quipping, “This is so shit,” missing a handrail, and taking a minor tumble. A staffer told him, “You’re drunk, don’t say that,” but Hilfiger bounced back with a peace sign, showing true party veteran spirit.

Kardashian-Jenner Chaos on the Canals

Of course, no celebrity event would be complete without the Kardashian-Jenner family, who arrived in full glam. Khloé Kardashian, who was celebrating her birthday, admitted the struggle: “It’s so complicated, oh down we go,” as she and Kim Kardashian teetered toward their boat. Khloé even suggested, “I might tumble, let’s sit inside.” Kylie Jenner handed her wine to a staffer, asked for help, then insisted she and Kendall “hold hands and go together” before murmuring “Uh oh” after a minor stumble. Even for reality TV royalty, Venetian docks proved a challenge.

Kris Jenner, always in control, made it clear she’d travel only with partner Corey Gamble, telling staff, “Tell them I said thanks,” and, “I’d like to travel alone.” Kris’ classic management style even extended to her drying off with a paper towel—proof that even the most prepared matriarch faces logistics hiccups at mega-weddings.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and more celebrity moments from the lavish celebration circulated widely, including on Instagram stories by stylists and attendees, offering fans a look at luxurious looks, awkward moments, and glimpses of star-studded revelry.

The Other Side of the Festivity: Venice’s Dilemmas

While A-listers enjoyed champagne cruises and couture photo ops, the wedding put a spotlight on Venice’s ongoing challenges with overtourism and climate worries. Locals have long expressed concern about mega-events crowding the canals and straining city resources. As pointed out by some outlets, the blockage of an entire canal for the celebrity fleet reinforced issues the city has been grappling with for years.

It’s a pointed reminder that even as headlines focus on exclusive festivities, life goes on for Venetians—many of whom watched the celebrity scramble from afar, wondering if such extravagance should still be center stage in a city fighting to maintain its unique heritage and balance tourism with sustainability.

The Takeaway: Money Buys Many Things, But Not Coordination

The Sánchez-Bezos wedding proved one thing without a doubt: Even with limitless resources, genuine viral moments emerge when celebrities—like everyone else—try to balance in high heels on a moving dock. For more on the guest list and exclusive photos of Queen Rania and other VIPs at the celebration, check out reports from PEOPLE. Scenes from inside the ceremony and the city’s bustling preparations can be seen in NBC News coverage and via social media recaps, such as Kris Jenner’s Instagram updates.

As Venice dries out (again), the world continues to marvel at the mix of elegance, chaos, and celebrity candor on display at what may be the most headline-grabbing wedding of the year.

Lead images: Getty Images, Instagram

For an in-depth look at the event’s star factor, view the PEOPLE feature on the wedding guests, exclusive Instagram photos from stylists on site, and analysis of Venice’s ongoing tourism debate in TIME. For video, see NBC News for a closer look inside the celebration.