Inside Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s Venice wedding: Details amid protests and celebrity guests revealed

VENICE, Italy — The picturesque city is buzzing with excitement as superyachts anchor in its canals, private jets land, and a star-studded roster of celebrities, athletes, and business leaders gather for the highly anticipated wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. A-list guests including Oprah Winfrey, Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Tom Brady, Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner are in attendance, joining the festivities that kicked off with a glamorous gala.

Bezos, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, and Sanchez were seen beaming as they boarded a water taxi, greeting the public before their ceremony at the Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto. Paparazzi crowded nearby, eager to capture every moment of the couple’s entrance to the exclusive venue.

The main event is set for Saturday in the historic Arsenale, a former shipyard now repurposed as an art space. Deputy Venice Mayor Simone Venturini expressed confidence in managing high-profile events, recalling past occasions such as the weddings of Pope Francis and actor George Clooney.

However, he clarified that Bezos and Sanchez’s wedding wouldn’t be recognized legally under Italian law, suggesting they may have already wed in the United States. While some celebrate the occasion, there are dissenting voices in the city.

Protests have emerged against Bezos, with activists using slogans targeting his wealth and impact on the city. Groups like Greenpeace even took to St. Mark’s Square with an enormous banner criticizing Bezos’s financial contributions.

Despite the controversy, it’s business as usual in Venice, which welcomes around 30 million visitors annually. Local tour guide Igor Scomparin noted that the wedding may ultimately showcase Venice’s beauty and resilience, while Venturini expressed hopes for a lasting connection between Bezos and the city after the festivities.