Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, and Lauren Sánchez, a former TV presenter, recently celebrated their wedding in Venice, Italy. The multi-day event, held from June 26 to 28, 2025, took place at various historic sites across the city, drawing significant media attention due to its high-profile guest list and lavish celebrations. The wedding also sparked local protests and criticism from Venetian activists over the city's commercialization and use as a venue for private luxury events.
The festivities began with a welcome event on June 26, followed by the main ceremony on June 27 at the basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore on the island of the same name. The event concluded with a reception on June 28 at the Venetian Arsenal. Guests included celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and members of the Kardashian family. The couple reportedly stayed at the Aman Venice hotel during the celebrations.
In response to local concerns about the impact of the wedding on the city, Bezos and Sánchez made donations to Venetian charities, including the UNESCO Venice Office and Venice International University, to support the preservation of the city's cultural heritage and promote sustainable solutions. Despite these efforts, the wedding generated protests from local residents and activists who criticized the commercialization of Venice for elite events and the strain of overtourism on the city.
The wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice serves as a reflection of broader consumer behaviors and preferences among the ultra-wealthy, highlighting the trends and dynamics that shape the luxury market. The event also underscores the tensions between private celebrations and public consequences, particularly in historically significant cities like Venice.