Venice is abuzz this week as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former journalist Lauren Sánchez prepare to tie the knot amidst a lavish, multi-day celebration drawing a constellation of high-profile guests to the iconic Italian city. The festivities, predicted to cost an estimated eight figures, kicked off with a welcome party on Thursday, building anticipation for the main wedding ceremony expected on Friday.
Sánchez herself was spotted on Friday in Venice, arriving by water taxi on her way to San Giorgio Island, the rumored location for the main event. She was photographed looking chic in a retro white outfit and headscarf, hours before she is set to wed the billionaire businessman.
A Guest List Packed with A-Listers
The canals and luxury hotels of Venice have been flooded with celebrities, business titans, and public figures arriving throughout the week for the exclusive event, reportedly limited to around 200-250 guests. The sheer density of star power has created significant buzz around the city.
Among the notable arrivals photographed or reported are a significant contingent of the Kardashian-Jenner family, including Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and their mother Kris Jenner with partner Corey Gamble. Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian reportedly attended Sánchez’s bachelorette party earlier this year, highlighting their close ties.
Media moguls Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King, who shared a spaceflight experience with Sánchez on Blue Origin, were also seen arriving, as were billionaire Bill Gates and his partner Paula Hurd. Other heavyweights from the business world spotted include IAC chairman Barry Diller and Dolce & Gabbana founder Domenico Dolce.
From the entertainment industry, actors like Leonardo DiCaprio (with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti), Sydney Sweeney, and Orlando Bloom have been seen enjoying the Venetian atmosphere. Sports figures are also in attendance, including NFL star Tom Brady and former NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez, who is notably Sánchez’s ex-partner and the father of one of her children. Political figures like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were also pictured arriving. Other prominent guests include investor Michael Kives and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Welcome Party Kicks Off Festivities
The wedding celebrations officially began Thursday evening with a welcome party held in a cloister adjacent to the historic Madonna dell’Orto church. Guests arrived by a flotilla of water taxis, greeted by enhanced security, including police patrols on jet skis.
For the welcome event, Lauren Sánchez stunned in a striking golden off-the-shoulder Schiaparelli gown featuring intricate baroque floral embroidery, while Jeff Bezos opted for a classic dark suit. The atmosphere was reportedly surprisingly low-key, with guests enjoying Neapolitan pizza, arancini, fried zucchini flowers, and various desserts, though the night was cut short by unexpected thunderstorms.
Planning, Logistics, and Local Tensions
Details of the wedding have been closely guarded by the couple, who got engaged in 2023 after their relationship went public in 2019. They reportedly hired acclaimed Venice wedding planners Lanza & Baucina, known for orchestrating high-profile events like the Clooney and Hayek-Pinault weddings. Efforts have been made to support the local economy, with reports suggesting 80% of provisions are sourced locally, working with traditional Venetian businesses for items like pastries and Murano glass commissions. Guests are also reportedly asked to make charitable donations to the city instead of bringing gifts.
However, the high-profile nature of the wedding hasn’t been without controversy. The influx of guests has amplified existing tensions with some Venice locals frustrated by the impacts of mass tourism. Protests have occurred, including a “No Space for Bezos” campaign, partly fueled by overtourism concerns and criticism regarding Bezos’s perceived political links (a Wall Street Journal report cited White House sources stating former President Donald Trump was invited, though not attending). These protests reportedly led to the relocation of one wedding party event from a central area to a more secluded part of the city. Venice’s mayor has issued statements attempting to quell concerns, emphasizing that organizers are working to respect the city’s unique character and that the guest count is manageable.
With guests staying in some of Venice’s most luxurious hotels, including the Aman Venice (where the couple is reportedly staying), Gritti Palace, St. Regis, Belmond Cipriani, and Hotel Danieli, the city is fully immersed in the spectacle of one of the most anticipated private events of the year. The wedding celebrations are expected to continue through Saturday, culminating in a party planned at Venice’s historic Arsenale.
