Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are set to exchange vows in what is anticipated to be one of the most lavish and talked-about weddings of the decade. Two years after the Amazon founder proposed to the Emmy-winning journalist with a stunning 30-carat engagement ring during a European vacation, details of their multi-day celebration are emerging, centered around the historic beauty of Venice, Italy.
While the couple has kept specific plans largely under wraps, Sánchez herself offered a glimpse into her approach, admitting on Today in late 2024, “I have to say, I do have a Pinterest. I’m just like every other bride.” However, predictions from those close to the couple suggest this will be anything but a typical wedding. Sánchez’s older brother, Paul Sánchez, hinted to TMZ in March 2025 that it would be “like a Princess Di thing,” expecting it to be an “amazing event,” “star-studded and fun.”
Here’s an inside look at what’s known about Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s highly anticipated wedding in Venice, including the location complexities, who might be on the exclusive guest list, the planners orchestrating the event, and speculation about the bride’s dress.
A Venetian Fairytale (with Real-World Considerations)
Defying earlier rumors of a $600 million winter wedding in Aspen, the couple chose Venice, a city synonymous with romance and historical grandeur. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro confirmed the nuptials would take place there, addressing concerns about the event’s impact. He stated the wedding would host around 200 guests and would not disrupt the city, emphasizing collaboration with organizers “to ensure that the event will be absolutely respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city.”
Planning for the event includes a significant focus on supporting the local economy. Reports indicate that approximately 80% of the wedding provisions will be sourced from Venetian vendors. This includes goody bags for attendees created by Rosa Salva, the city’s oldest pastry maker, and artisanal glass items from Laguna B, a studio renowned for its handblown Murano glass. Rosa Salva reportedly commented positively on the choice of Venice, calling it “responsible tourism” and prestigious for a couple who could marry anywhere in the world.
Exploring Potential Venues (and a Last-Minute Change)
While the exact locations for all wedding events haven’t been fully confirmed, several stunning Venetian spots have been rumored. Speculation initially included hosting events on Bezos’ $500 million superyacht, Koru, known for its luxurious amenities. The picturesque island of San Giorgio Maggiore, home to a historic church and cultural center, was also mentioned as a potential site. Another venue considered was the centuries-old waterfront structure, Scuola Grande della Misericordia.
However, sources indicate that one key party venue, initially planned for Scuola Grande della Misericordia, was reportedly moved to a more secure location within the Arsenale district. This change is said to stem from mounting public protests against the event and heightened security concerns related to global tensions. The Arsenale location offers enhanced security capabilities deemed necessary to manage potential disruptions.
An A-List Assembly: The Guest List
True to Paul Sánchez’s prediction, the wedding is expected to draw a star-studded crowd, mirroring the couple’s lavish engagement parties that included high-profile figures like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Salma Hayek Pinault.
Confirmed invited guests include Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Karlie Kloss, and Joshua Kushner. The guest list is also speculated to feature Sánchez’s close friends such as Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian, along with her fellow Blue Origin space crew members Katy Perry and Gayle King. Other notable figures seen at previous events, like Barbra Streisand, Miranda Kerr, Suki Waterhouse, and Robert Pattinson, could potentially attend. Leonardo DiCaprio has also been mentioned in reports regarding the expected attendees.
Accommodations for guests reflect the event’s luxury scale. The couple is reportedly staying at The Aman, the same opulent Grand Canal hotel where George and Amal Clooney married in 2014. They have also secured rooms in part or in full at four other prominent Venetian hotels: the Gritti Palace, the St. Regis, the Belmond Cipriani, and Hotel Danieli. Rates at these properties can exceed $10,000 per night during peak times like a high-profile wedding week.
Gifts with a Charitable Focus
Adding a meaningful touch to their celebration, Bezos and Sánchez have reportedly requested that guests forgo traditional wedding gifts. Instead, attendees have been asked to make charitable donations. Sources revealed the couple quietly made substantial donations to several local Venetian charities in April, and the request for guests, announced in May, aims to help “ensure Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come.” Guests are expected to receive goody bags as a thank-you, featuring items like the vibrant Murano glass pieces from Laguna B and local pastries from Rosa Salva.
Masterminding the Celebration: The Planners
Orchestrating an event of this magnitude in a complex city like Venice requires experienced hands. The couple has hired Lanza & Baucina Limited, a discreet London-based firm known for producing high-profile weddings in Venice, including those for George and Amal Clooney and Salma Hayek.
Amidst discussions about the impact of such an event on the city, Lanza & Baucina issued a statement emphasizing their approach: “the minimising of any disruption to the city, the respect for its residents and institutions and the overwhelming employment of locals in the crafting of the events.” They added that their client was supporting the city and its lagoon through non-profit organizations and associated projects.
The Dress: Speculation Runs High
As with any high-profile wedding, the bride’s attire is a major point of interest. While the designer of Lauren Sánchez’s wedding dress remains unconfirmed, rumors are swirling. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is reportedly assisting Sánchez with selecting her gown, with Oscar de la Renta mentioned as a potential designer suggestion. Adding fuel to the speculation, the couple was reportedly spotted having a fitting at a Dolce & Gabbana store in Milan in March 2025.
Navigating Public Perception and Protests
Despite the efforts to support local businesses and make charitable donations, the wedding has not been universally welcomed. The event has sparked protests from local groups operating under banners like “No space for Bezos,” raising long-standing concerns about over-tourism and gentrification in Venice. Activists have planned demonstrations to disrupt the festivities, arguing that such ultra-wealthy events exacerbate the challenges faced by the historic city.
Conversely, Venice officials, including Mayor Brugnaro, have publicly welcomed the event, anticipating a significant economic boost for local businesses. Mayor Brugnaro has reportedly dismissed protesters as seeking “media-seeking motives” rather than representing the city’s overall spirit, highlighting that Venice regularly hosts high-impact events and welcomes visitors who appreciate its heritage. He also characterized the couple’s donations as “a genuine act of love for the city.”
This high-profile wedding in a sensitive cultural landmark highlights the complex relationship between global wealth, tourism, and preservation, as Bezos and Sánchez’s elaborate plans unfold amidst both excitement and scrutiny.
Estimates from luxury wedding planners suggest a multi-day, high-end celebration in Venice could easily exceed 10 million euros (around $11.5 million), underscoring the scale of the event for one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. As guests arrive at some of Venice’s most exclusive hotels, the city prepares for a weekend that promises a blend of unprecedented luxury, celebrity glamour, local engagement, and public debate.
