Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez reach Venice for days-long wedding celebration. The Globe & Mail
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez landed in Venice on Wednesday to kick off a three-day wedding celebration packed with VIP guests and luxury events. The Amazon founder and his fiancée were seen entering the upscale Aman Venice Hotel, which sits on the famous Grand Canal and is set to host many high-profile guests.
Massive Guest Arrival Expected
About 90 private jets are expected in Venice this week, carrying top names from Hollywood, politics, and business. The entire wedding celebration is expected to cost between €40 and €48 million ($46–56 million), making it one of the grandest events of the year. A crowd of around 250 guests will attend the parties and wedding festivities.
Events Begin at Historic Sites
The celebrations will start Thursday night with a party at the cloisters of Madonna dell’Orto, a medieval church in the Cannaregio area. A second party is set for Friday on San Giorgio Island, located across from St. Mark’s Square. The island houses the Cini Foundation, which holds international cultural events in a centuries-old monastery with a beautiful garden maze.
Venice Locals Voice Frustration
While many are excited by the glamour, some Venice residents have expressed strong objections. Local activists say the city is turning into a playground for the ultra-rich. “There’s only one thing that rules now: money, money, money, so we are the losers,” said local resident Nadia Rigo, who added that locals now need permission just to take a ferry.
Jeff Bezos seen at the Aman Venice Hotel on June 25. (Photo:Reuters)
City Tries to Manage Impact
Venice City Hall responded by restricting access to event areas to keep protesters and guests apart. The city's narrow alleys and canals, already busy during tourist season, are expected to see increased traffic due to the high-profile guests and celebrations.
Generous Donation Eases Some Tensions
Amid growing criticism, the couple donated €3 million to local causes. The funds will support the lagoon research group CORILA, Venice International University, and UNESCO’s local office. Regional Governor Luca Zaia thanked them, calling it “a gesture of extraordinary generosity.”
Private Details Still Unclear
The exact date and location of the actual wedding remain secret. Some speculate that Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, may have already married in a private ceremony in the U.S. Their Venice celebration may simply be for friends and family.
Final Celebration Planned at Historic Dockyard
The main event will be held Saturday at the Arsenale, a massive former shipyard now used for art exhibitions. Surrounded by water and secure from the public when bridges are raised, the venue offers privacy for the couple’s final celebration. A canopy has been set up at the hotel’s floating dock to block photographers from snapping pictures of arriving guests.
