Just a stone’s throw from Venice’s bustling main square, nestled quietly on the edge of the Grand Canal, lies one of the city’s most glamorous and historic hotels — the Aman Venice.
With its stunning Baroque frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo and an exclusive private jetty to keep guests out of sight, it’s the kind of place that perfectly fits the ultra-wealthy.
This week, the Aman has been buzzing in preparation for none other than Jeff Bezos’s wedding — the world’s fourth-richest man tying the knot with former TV journalist Lauren Sanchez.
Eleven years after George Clooney famously married Amal at this very hotel, the Aman is once again the backdrop for what’s being called the wedding event of the year.
A-List Guests Flock to Venice for the Luxurious Celebration
Around 200 high-profile guests are expected to arrive in Venice for the big day.
Names like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump, and members of the Kardashian clan are reportedly among the invitees.
Bezos, who has booked out all 24 rooms at the Aman for three nights, will be hosting approximately 48 lucky guests in the hotel’s suites, some of which cost up to £10,000 a night.
A source close to the couple revealed, “The Aman is the only place in Venice luxurious enough for many of these guests.
Whatever they want, they’ll get it.” It’s rare for the hotel to be fully booked like this for more than a night or two, but when you’re Jeff Bezos, the usual rules don’t apply.
From Private Concerts to Gourmet Dining Experiences
Though the wedding ceremony itself will be held on the nearby island of San Giorgio Maggiore, much of the week’s festivities will unfold at the Aman.
One highlight includes a private concert by Grammy-winning singer Lady Gaga, who will perform on a grand piano said to have been played by Frederic Chopin himself.
Guests can indulge in everything from expertly prepared lobster-stuffed pasta dishes to cocktails priced around £24 a pop.
For wine lovers, Bezos’s personal favorite—Dugat-Py Grand Cru, a rare bottle he famously purchased for £3,000 in Cannes—will be on offer.
The Hotel’s Blend of History and Modern Luxury
The Aman Venice occupies the 450-year-old Palazzo Papadopoli, a stately home that has belonged to the aristocratic Papadopoli family for over two centuries.
While the family still lives in the penthouse, they’ve vacated it this week, making room for Bezos and Sanchez or their VIP guests.
The hotel boasts a private garden — one of the only ones in Venice — plus a roof terrace, spa facilities offering thermal anti-aging treatments, and a peaceful library overlooking the canal.
It’s a place designed for both grandeur and relaxation.
Legendary Weddings and Lavish Celebrations at the Aman
The hotel’s reputation for hosting star-studded weddings isn’t new.
Back in 2014, George and Amal Clooney celebrated their union here with around 100 close friends and family.
The weekend was filled with cocktails, dinners, and late-night dancing, featuring guests like Vogue’s Anna Wintour, actor Matt Damon, and supermodel Cindy Crawford.
The party went on well into the night, fueled by bottles of Champagne and cases of Clooney’s own tequila brand.
Local Flavors and Mysterious Plans Add to the Excitement
For Bezos’s wedding, traditional Venetian treats like lemon biscotti and cornmeal cookies from the city’s oldest bakery, Rosa Salva, will be given to guests as parting gifts.
Beyond that, the couple’s full plans remain under wraps, though it’s clear the celebrations will be nothing short of spectacular.
The guest list also reflects some recent drama.
Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Eva Longoria attended Lauren Sanchez’s bachelorette party in Paris and will be at the wedding.
However, it’s unclear if Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom will attend amid rumored tensions.
Local Protests and the Price of Luxury
While the wedding’s grandeur captures the world’s attention, not everyone in Venice is thrilled.
Protests have sprung up with demonstrators holding signs declaring “No Space for Bezos,” highlighting local frustration with the event’s impact.
Whether the protests will reach the secluded luxury of the Aman’s walls remains to be seen, but for now, the city’s most glamorous hotel remains the epicenter of one of the year’s most talked-about celebrations.