Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Say “I Do” in Venice Wedding Marred by Billionaire-Bashing Protests

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Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are officially married.

Jeff Bezos, the wealthy Amazon founder, and his ex-broadcaster wife got married in an extravagant ceremony held in Venice, Italy, this past Friday.

For three action-packed days, I found myself immersed in an unbelievable, $10 million event that completely took over the enchanting island of San Giorgio Maggiore, standing opposite the iconic St. Mark’s Square in Venice. The guest list for this extravaganza was nothing short of stellar, with celebrities like Oprah, Bill Gates, the Kardashian-Jenners, Karlie Kloss, Ivanka Trump, Orlando Bloom, Jewel, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barry Diller, and Diane von Furstenberg gracing the event.

The couple entertained high-profile guests at numerous hotels scattered throughout the city, such as Aman, where George and Amal Clooney got married in 2014; Gritti Palace; The St. Regis; Hotel Danieli; and Belmond Cipriani. It’s said that Anna Wintour from Vogue assisted Sánchez in choosing her wedding dress, while rumors swirled that Elton John was invited to perform at the event.

It’s no surprise that Bezos, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals (worth approximately $233 billion), would demand significant resources for his wedding, given his stature. However, not all Venice locals were receptive. The road closures and boat redirections sparked a group of them to express their displeasure publicly.

At Venice’s upcoming wedding location, signs were seen that read “If you can afford a Venetian wedding, you can pay extra taxes” and “No Room for Bezos,” reflecting skepticism towards the entrepreneur’s space exploration plans with Blue Origin. Additionally, some demonstrators warned they would block Bezos’ water taxis by filling the canals with inflatables, small boats, and dinghies. Walls in the area were adorned with graffiti and stickers stating “Veniceland: A playground for oligarchs.”

In simpler terms, signs saying rich people like Bezos could pay more taxes if they can afford a wedding in Venice, as well as protests about Bezos’ water taxis being blocked by inflatable boats and dinghies, were seen in Venice. Additionally, graffiti on the walls called Veniceland a playground for the rich.

Greenpeace Italy and the U.K. group Everyone Hates Elon, known for their criticism of wealthy figures like Elon Musk, displayed a large banner in St. Mark’s Square on Monday, criticizing him for tax avoidance. The police swiftly removed the banner after it was hung. According to a ProPublica report from 2021, based on IRS data, Bezos paid no federal income tax in 2007 and 2011, and his tax rate between 2014 and 2018 is estimated to have been only 0.98 percent.

The main issues at hand involve Venice’s already congested streets due to the continuous flow of tourists and the exacerbation by climate change, causing a sinking city. Clara Thompson, a Greenpeace campaigner, described Bezos’ wedding as emblematic of excessive wealth, privilege, and many current global issues. Notably, this event took place in one of the world’s cities most susceptible to climate change.

Critics like climate advocates frequently voice concerns over Amazon’s high carbon emissions, excessive packaging waste, and alleged destruction of unsold items.

It’s thrilling to see the impact of the pop-up protests! On Tuesday, I learned from BBC reports that a local official confirmed a change in venue for an upcoming wedding celebration. Instead of taking place at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, which is centrally located, it will now be held at the Arsenale, a bit farther away from the city center.

Even after getting married, it is said that they discreetly made contributions to charities in Venice during April and procured about eighty percent of their wedding supplies from nearby merchants.

Monday saw Luca Zaia, president of the neighboring Veneto region, declare a €1 million ($1.16 million) contribution from Bezos and Sánchez to the Corila Consortium – an international research group focusing on the Venice lagoon as reported by CNN. Zaia commended their generous donation, stating, “This thoughtful gesture by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez is a testament of keen awareness and concern.” He further emphasized that Venice, symbolic to Veneto and Italy, is more than just a national treasure; it’s a global legacy that requires attention, reverence, and preservation.

As a passionate gamer, I’d rephrase it like this:

For over a decade, I, as the conservative mayor of Venice, have been dedicated to its upkeep. The recent protests, however, have not gone unnoticed. Yet, my love for Venice remains undeterred, and I extend an open invitation to all who share that same affection: You are always welcome here. Meanwhile, our city officials assure us that the upcoming celebrations, attended by 250 guests, will harmoniously coexist with the city’s daily life rhythm.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ wedding organizers from Lanza & Baucina events in London stated to Page Six that they have been proactive in minimizing any adverse impacts on the city. “From the start, our client has been proud to contribute to the city and its vital lagoon through charitable organizations and related projects,” the company noted, acknowledging the broader discussions and critical urban issues.

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2025-06-27 22:24