Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez officially tied the knot in a star-studded wedding ceremony held on the picturesque island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy, on Friday.
The high-profile couple celebrated their love in grand style, attracting global media attention and a host of celebrity guests.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Wedding Details
Sánchez, now officially Lauren Sánchez Bezos, made the announcement on Instagram with a radiant wedding photo of herself in a stunning Dolce & Gabbana white gown, standing beside her husband, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who wore a classic tuxedo. The photo marked the first official update on her newly cleared Instagram feed, where she also added her new last name.
The celebration unfolded across two lavish days in Venice, a city known for its romantic canals and old-world charm. Sánchez was seen earlier that day wearing a silk scarf and waving to photographers as she departed her hotel in a water taxi, heading toward San Giorgio Maggiore, where the ceremony took place.
A-List Guests Arrive in Style
Venice’s skies and waterways were filled with private jets and luxury yachts as guests arrived for what is now being called one of the most extravagant weddings of the year.
As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez dazzled as bride and groom, celebrity guests followed suit with show-stopping fashion moments that lit up Venice. The Kardashian family led the style parade, proving once again why they’re red carpet royalty.
Khloé Kardashian turned heads in a vibrant pink sequin gown, complete with a dramatic feathered boa that fully embraced the trending Barbiecore aesthetic. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian stunned in a curve-hugging brown dress with a plunging neckline, embellished with intricate beading and paired with a diamond-encrusted necklace for maximum glam.
Kris Jenner kept things timeless and chic in a black and white gown featuring sheer, princess-style sleeves, perfectly coordinated with longtime partner Corey Gamble.
Ivanka Trump also delivered an elegant look, arriving with husband Jared Kushner in a strapless pink gown covered in silver sequins. The outfit’s bold thigh-high slit added a daring touch to the sophisticated ensemble, making her one of the most talked-about guests of the evening.
Notable Absence: Where Was Katy Perry?
One surprising moment was the absence of singer Katy Perry, a close friend of Sánchez who had been involved in previous wedding festivities.
Perry later posted on Instagram about her current activities, prompting Sánchez to comment, “We miss you Katy ❤️.”
Wedding Sparks Local Controversy in Venice
Despite the glamour, Jeff Bezos’s Venice wedding stirred controversy among local residents and activists.
Several Venetian organizations, including anti-cruise ship advocates and housing rights groups, protested the event under the campaign “No Space For Bezos.” They argue that events like this highlight growing concerns over over-tourism, housing inequality, and climate threats in the fragile lagoon city.
Protesters also pointed to Amazon’s labor policies, ongoing tax issues in Europe, and Bezos’s political affiliations as reasons for their opposition. Banners denouncing Bezos were seen on several iconic landmarks during the weekend.
Pre-Wedding Nerves
Just a day before the wedding, anonymous satirical art collective Kon Artiss pulled off a stunt they dubbed “Pre-Wedding Nerves”. The installation features a life-sized figure of Bezos sitting on a toilet with his pants down, dressed in a mock wedding tuxedo and clutching a newspaper.
Surrounding the figure are Amazon delivery boxes, with fake U.S. dollar bills spilling out of one by his feet.
Strategically placed on a canal directly opposite the historic Palazzo Ducale, near St. Mark’s Square, the provocative piece quickly drew attention. Crowds of curious tourists snapped photos before local police arrived to investigate and monitor the situation.
Governor and Bezos Respond
Veneto’s regional governor, Luca Zaia, defended the wedding, calling it a “reputation and economic boost for Venice,” estimating its economic impact at between €40 million and €48 million.
In response to local concerns, Bezos donated €1 million each to three environmental organizations committed to preserving Venice, according to Corila, a Venetian research group focused on climate and sustainability.
