Inside Jeff Bezos & Lauren Sánchez’s $600M Venice Wedding: A-List Guests, Superyacht & Local Uproar

Jeff Bezos, the world’s third-richest person, and Lauren Sánchez celebrated their lavish, privately curated wedding in Venice, Italy, over three days from June 24–26, 2025, hosting approximately 200 high-profile guests.

The event featured multiple themed receptions—including cocktail nights and a pajama party—and took place aboard Bezos’ $500 million sailing yacht Koru, anchored near San Giorgio Maggiore, with events also onshore in historic hotels like the Aman, Gritti Palace, Belmond Cipriani, and Hotel Danieli.

Invited Luminaries included:

Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Salma Hayek, Barbra Streisand

Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss

Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner

Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Mick Jagger

Guests received bespoke thank-you gifts including hand-blown Laguna B Venetian glassware and curated Venetian pastries from Rosa Salva.

Despite its grandeur and economic boon—estimated at €20–30 million for the city—the wedding sparked backlash. Local activism under the banner “No Space for Bezos” and Greenpeace protests erupted in Venice’s St Mark’s Square, with banners on Rialto Bridge and threats of canal blockades and human chain demonstrations.

Organizers and Venice's mayor defended the event, noting heavy local sourcing (80% of supplies), charitable donations, and employment of Venetian artisans to mitigate disruption.

Highlights & Implications

Star-Studded Guest List: A convergence of entertainment, business, and political elites, from Oprah to the Kardashians and Trump family.

Lavish Venue: Multi-day celebrations across yacht and luxury hotel settings, featuring themed events and Venetian craftsmanship.

Local Backlash: Activist protests spotlight concerns over overtourism and privatization of public spaces in fragile Venice.

Economic Boost vs Environmental Strain: While promoters cite major tourism revenue, protestors and Greenpeace warn of the environmental and social costs.