Where Did Jeff Bezos Get Married? On June 27, 2025, Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon, and Lauren Sánchez, a former TV journalist and helicopter pilot, tied the knot in a spectacular, star-studded wedding in Venice, Italy. The event, which spanned three days, drew significant attention due to its opulence, high-profile guest list, and the controversy it sparked among some Venetian locals. Below, we dive into the details of this extravagant affair, exploring the venues, the guest list, and the public reaction, while also addressing frequently asked questions about the wedding.
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A Romantic Venetian Backdrop
Venice, a city renowned for its canals, historic architecture, and romantic ambiance, was the chosen setting for Bezos and Sánchez’s nuptials. The couple opted for a multi-day celebration, with the main ceremony taking place on the picturesque island of San Giorgio Maggiore, a location known for its stunning basilica and serene, secluded atmosphere. The island’s Giorgio Cini Foundation, with its sculpted gardens and historic monastery, provided an intimate yet grand setting for the black-tie ceremony. The choice of San Giorgio Maggiore offered both privacy and a breathtaking backdrop, with white marble buildings and views across the lagoon to St. Mark’s Square.
The festivities kicked off on Thursday, June 26, with a candlelit welcome dinner at the gardens of the Madonna dell’Orto Church in the Cannaregio district. This gothic church set the tone for the weekend’s elegance. The main reception followed on Saturday, June 28, at the Arsenale, a historic complex of shipyards surrounded by fortified walls. Originally, the reception was planned for the 16th-century Scuola Grande della Misericordia, but due to protests and security concerns, the venue was changed to the more isolated Arsenale, ensuring a smoother event.
A Star-Studded Guest List
The wedding attracted around 200 guests, including A-list celebrities, business tycoons, and political figures. Notable attendees included Oprah Winfrey, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Tom Brady, Bill Gates, Orlando Bloom, and pregnant model Karlie Kloss. The presence of such high-profile guests, many of whom were photographed arriving via water taxis from luxury hotels like the Aman Venice, Hotel Cipriani, and the Gritti Palace, turned the canals into a paparazzi hotspot. The event was orchestrated by Lanza and Baucina, the same planners behind George and Amal Clooney’s 2014 Venice wedding, ensuring a seamless blend of grandeur and local craftsmanship.
Lauren Sánchez’s Stunning Gown
Lauren Sánchez stole the spotlight in a custom Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown, featuring a high-necked silhouette, 180 silk chiffon-covered buttons, and a tulle-and-lace veil inspired by Sophia Loren’s 1958 film Houseboat. The gown, which took 900 hours of atelier work, was described by Sánchez as evoking “a moment” that reflected her current life stage. She shared a photo on Instagram, captioned simply with the date “06/27/2025” and a pink heart emoji, showing her and Bezos beaming as they walked down the aisle. Bezos complemented her elegance in a sharp black tuxedo.
Controversy and Protests
While the wedding was a glamorous affair, it wasn’t without controversy. Some Venetian locals, concerned about overtourism and the environmental impact of the event, protested under the banner “No Space for Bezos.” Activists, including groups like Greenpeace Italia, argued that the influx of 95 private jets and superyachts exacerbated Venice’s sinking infrastructure and tourism woes. Posters featuring Bezos’s head on a rocket and banners reading, “If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more tax,” appeared across the city. In response, the couple donated €3 million to Venice’s cultural heritage, and city officials, including Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, defended the event, highlighting its economic benefits and minimal disruption.
A Celebration of Love and Legacy
The Bezos-Sánchez wedding was not just a celebration of their love but also a nod to Venice’s artisanal heritage, with local vendors like Rosa Salva and Laguna B contributing to the festivities. Despite the protests, the event was a testament to the couple’s ability to blend Hollywood glamour with Venetian charm, creating a memorable moment in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where did Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez get married?
A: They married on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy, on June 27, 2025. The reception was held at the Arsenale, and a pre-wedding dinner took place at the Madonna dell’Orto Church.
Q: Who attended the wedding?
A: The guest list included celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump, among others, totaling around 200 attendees.
Q: Why was the wedding controversial?
A: Some Venetian locals protested due to concerns about overtourism and environmental impacts from private jets and yachts. Activists felt the event turned Venice into a “private ballroom” for the ultra-wealthy.
Q: What did Lauren Sánchez wear?
A: Sánchez wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown with 180 silk chiffon buttons and a tulle-and-lace veil, inspired by Sophia Loren’s Houseboat look.
Q: How much did the wedding cost?
A: Estimates suggest the three-day event cost between €40 million and €48 million (approximately $46.5 million to $55.6 million), though Bezos disputed earlier claims of a $600 million wedding in Aspen.
Sources: The New York Times, The Guardian, Vogue, ABC News, People, Reuters, CNN