Billion-Dollar Bliss: Inside Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Secret Wedding and Lavish Venice Bash

Weeks before their star-studded, $10 million Venetian wedding extravaganza kicked off on June 26, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez reportedly made things official with a quiet ceremony in the US. While Hollywood A-listers descended upon Venice for what looked like the main event, sources close to the couple confirmed to Page Six that the pair, engaged since 2023, had already legally tied the knot. Venetian city officials also confirmed no wedding paperwork was filed under Italian law, backing up claims that the lavish European celebration was purely ceremonial.

The Venetian festivities, which began with a welcome dinner on Thursday night, were a magnet for celebrity sightings. The guest list read like a who's who of global icons, including Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Orlando Bloom, Tom Brady, and even former US President Barack Obama.

The Legalities Behind the Grand Affair

"Often a marriage in a foreign country is not valid in the USA or creates other issues, so yes, it's likely they are already married," a Florida-based attorney told Page Six ahead of the Venetian bash. This legal insight aligns with reports that Bezos and Sánchez likely exchanged vows on American soil.

Despite the prior legal union, Friday's ceremony at the breathtaking San Giorgio Maggiore was a spectacle of opulence. Golden gowns, private water taxis, and even Kylie Jenner making headlines for her impressive 25-bag luggage haul painted a vivid picture of luxury. A city official confirmed to The Times of London, "I can totally rule out that they will have a civil ceremony in Venice under Italian law." Security was exceptionally tight, with streets blocked off, drones banned, and police patrolling the canals on jet skis. While the couple's representatives have remained tight-lipped, the situation draws parallels to George and Amal Clooney's Venice wedding, which was officially registered at the local town hall. The Daily Mail further reported that Bezos and Sánchez may have quietly wed over a month ago, with a source revealing, "The marriage is fully legal and took place in America under American law."

The Billion-Dollar Prenup

Given Jeff Bezos's staggering $244 billion net worth, it comes as no surprise that multiple divorce lawyers confirmed the couple signed a colossal prenuptial agreement before saying "I do." This is standard practice in Hollywood, especially when such immense wealth is involved. Since the couple primarily resides in Florida, the prenup was reportedly drafted to be ironclad, regardless of where the wedding ceremony took place. However, any potential divorce proceedings would need to go through the state where they are living at the time. "Likewise, if they left Florida and moved to New York as a primary residence, they’d have to divorce in NY. A prenup can’t give a state the power to handle a divorce if you don’t actually live there," a source clarified.

For American citizens to legally marry in Italy, a lengthy process involving US consulates, affidavits, witnesses, and sometimes city officials or priests is required. Venetian officials, however, confirmed that the Bezos camp initiated none of these formalities, and no municipal spaces were booked for a wedding.

Local Discontent Amidst the Grandeur

While the global press descended upon Venice, not all locals were impressed. Protesters gathered in St. Mark's Square, decrying the event as promoting overtourism and "billionaire elitism," with some even being detained. The lavish Friday agenda included a performance by Matteo Bocelli and a menu boasting Venetian classics, reportedly costing a cool $1,000 per head. Guests were reportedly lodged in Venice's most exclusive hotels, including the Gritti Palace, St. Regis, Belmond Cipriani, and Hotel Danieli.