It’s not every day that Venice gets transformed into the backdrop for a jaw-dropping, $48 million wedding bash—but that’s exactly what’s happening as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez gear up for their three-day celebration in one of Italy’s most iconic cities.
The whole thing feels like something out of a blockbuster movie: private islands, yachts, celebrity guests, and canals lined with luxury.
Ivanka and Jared Soak in the Sights Before the Big Weekend
Among the earliest arrivals were Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, who seemed to be making the most of their time in the city.
The couple, along with their three children—Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore—were spotted enjoying some sightseeing before hopping on a boat and heading to their upscale accommodations.
Ivanka, dressed in a breezy green outfit and a stylish sunhat, looked every bit the elegant tourist.
Famous Faces Touch Down for the Venetian Spectacle
Venice is no stranger to VIPs, but this week the influx is on another level.
A-listers like Orlando Bloom, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, and possibly even Leonardo DiCaprio are said to be among the 200 guests invited.
The Amazon billionaire’s adoptive father, Miguel Bezos, has also arrived, adding a personal family touch to the gathering.
Venue Switch-Up and Secretive Island Bookings
Initially, the plan was to hold Saturday’s grand party at the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia, but that has reportedly changed.
Local outlets say the event has been relocated to the Arsenale area.
And in true billionaire fashion, the couple has also secured the entire San Giorgio Maggiore island—a breathtaking location complete with a 16th-century basilica right across from St. Mark’s Square.
Now that’s a wedding backdrop.
Water Taxis, Gondolas, and Five-Star Stays
With such a high-profile crowd, it’s no surprise that transportation has been ramped up.
Sources say roughly 60 water taxis are reserved for the week, with even some of Venice’s famed gondolas temporarily out of service.
Guests will reportedly be staying at top-tier hotels like The Aman and Hotel Cipriani, where rooms can cost over $2,000 a night.
No Gifts, Please—But Do Save Venice
On Tuesday, a leaked wedding invitation revealed one meaningful request from the couple: no presents.
Instead, guests are being encouraged to support various charities dedicated to protecting Venice from flooding.
It’s a classy move in the middle of all the opulence, showing at least some awareness of the host city’s unique challenges.
Flying In and Sailing Up in Style
From private jets to million-dollar yachts, the guests aren’t exactly flying coach.
Over 95 private planes have requested landing space at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport, while others—like billionaire Shahid Khan and investor Bill Miller—are arriving via their luxurious boats.
Bezos’ own superyacht, Koru, equipped with a bronze sculpture resembling Sanchez, is reportedly anchored off the Croatian coast.
It’s also where he proposed last year, just to add a romantic touch.
Glitz, Glam—and Growing Protests
As extravagant as it all sounds, the celebration hasn’t been free from criticism.
Protesters have taken to the streets of Venice, furious about how locals are being sidelined to make way for mega-rich visitors.
Greenpeace and a UK activist group called “Everyone Hates Elon” have even joined forces, accusing Bezos of flaunting wealth while allegedly paying minimal taxes.
A protest banner in St. Mark’s Square boldly read: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax.”
Local Leaders Defend the Mega-Celebration
Despite the backlash, Venice’s mayor and the regional governor have stood firmly behind the event, calling it an economic boost.
They estimate the wedding will inject between $23 million and $34 million into the local economy.
For them, hosting the “wedding of the century” is just part of the city’s legacy—joining the ranks of other high-profile nuptials like George Clooney’s and Elton John’s.
Generosity Behind the Glamour
It’s not just spending—Bezos is also donating.
Reports confirm he’ll be giving around $1.16 million to Corila, an organization focused on studying and preserving the Venice lagoon’s delicate ecosystem.
It’s a nod toward sustainability in the midst of massive spending.
Guest Drama and Last-Minute Glitches
Even with the best planners on board, big weddings come with surprises.
Orlando Bloom is expected to attend solo, since Katy Perry is on tour in Australia.
Meanwhile, a freelance tour guide accidentally revealed part of the guest list at the airport, including flight details and hotel assignments.
The list even included a scribbled note that Sanchez’s top-choice nail artist was a “no show”—a minor crisis in the world of A-list beauty prep.
Behind the Scenes: Planning and Power Moves
Among the names on the leaked list was Mike George, a former Amazon exec and president of the Bezos Academy.
His appearance highlights just how close-knit the guest list is—composed not just of celebrities, but of key people from Bezos’ professional and philanthropic life.
What’s Next?
With the formalities about to begin and the whole world watching, this Venice wedding is shaping up to be a spectacle like no other.
Will it all go smoothly?
Will the protests fade away, or intensify?
One thing’s for sure—whether by land, sea, or sky, all eyes are now on Venice.