VENICE, Italy – Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former journalist Lauren Sánchez are set to exchange vows on a small Venetian island this Friday. The ceremony, which promises to be a star-studded affair, has also stirred controversy, with protests by locals already affecting some of the billionaire’s plans.
Immediate Impact: Protests and Preparations
The couple will tie the knot on San Giorgio Island, a picturesque locale off the coast of Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, known for its historic church and bell tower. Despite the grandeur of the event, city officials have indicated that the celebrations are ceremonial, as no official marriage request has been filed in Italy, suggesting the couple may have already wed in the United States.
Economic Impact: Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro stated the wedding “will have economic repercussions worth millions of euros for our city.”
Key Details Emerge: Star-Studded Celebrations
The multi-day celebration commenced on Thursday and is expected to conclude on Saturday, with costs reportedly running into tens of millions of dollars. Friday’s wedding will feature a performance by Matteo Bocelli, son of opera singer Andrea Bocelli. The festivities kicked off with a party at the Madonna dell’Orto, a 14th-century cathedral, attended by numerous celebrities.
Estimated Cost: Reports suggest the wedding could cost between $46.5 million and $55.6 million.
High-Profile Guest List
Among the 200 guests are notable figures such as Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Tom Brady. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have also been spotted in Venice. While President Donald Trump was invited, he will not attend due to scheduling conflicts.
Protests: Local Concerns and Reactions
Venetian locals, under the banner “No Space for Bezos,” have organized protests against the wedding, citing concerns over overtourism and Bezos’ connections to former President Donald Trump. Demonstrations have already taken place, with plans for more protests over the weekend.
Activist Statement: “Bezos supported Trump economically and politically and is consequently co-responsible for this drift against us Italian and European citizens,” said Oliviero Cassarà, a lead organizer.
Disruptions and Security Measures
The threat of protests has already prompted changes in the wedding itinerary, including relocating a party to the more secluded Arsenale area. The venue is strategically chosen for its limited accessibility, surrounded by water and unreachable by land when bridges are raised.
Background Context: A Romance in the Spotlight
Bezos and Sánchez have been a public couple since 2019, after meeting nearly a decade ago. Their engagement was announced in 2023 aboard Bezos’ superyacht, with Sánchez receiving a 30-carat pink diamond ring.
Bezos’ Wealth: With a net worth of $234.9 billion, Bezos ranks as the fourth-wealthiest person globally.
Future Implications: Venice’s Balancing Act
As Venice grapples with the challenges of overtourism, events like the Bezos-Sánchez wedding highlight the delicate balance between economic benefits and the preservation of local culture and infrastructure. The city’s ability to manage such high-profile events will continue to be scrutinized.
The wedding, organized by Lanza & Baucina, known for planning George and Amal Clooney’s 2014 wedding, aims to minimize disruption to the city while employing local resources extensively. The outcome of the wedding and the associated protests could set a precedent for how Venice handles similar events in the future.
