Venice, Italy, a city grappling with the delicate balance of preserving its historic beauty against the crush of mass tourism, is currently hosting one of the world’s most anticipated events: the wedding of tech billionaire Jeff Bezos and former news anchor Lauren Sánchez. However, this lavish affair, anticipated to draw a star-studded guest list, is not unfolding without significant controversy, sparking protests from locals and activists concerned about the impact of extreme wealth on their fragile city.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of the Washington Post, is one of the globe’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth estimated around $231 billion. He and Sánchez, who got engaged in 2023, have been the subject of intense speculation regarding their upcoming nuptials, described by some as potentially the “wedding of the century.” Sánchez herself recently quipped about the importance of returning safely from a Blue Origin space flight she organized, stating she “had to make it back safely for her wedding.”
While precise details have been shrouded in secrecy, reports from Italian and international media suggest the wedding celebrations will span multiple days in late June. Estimates for the cost of the event vary, with reports citing figures anywhere from $7 million to a staggering $34 million. Even the lower estimates highlight the immense scale of the undertaking in a city already struggling under the weight of millions of annual visitors.
Where and When? Conflicting Reports Abound
Adding to the intrigue, the exact dates and locations for the multi-day festivities remain unclear due to conflicting reports. Possible dates mentioned range from June 24-26 to June 26-29.
Similarly, the location of the main ceremony or events has been a moving target in media reports:
Some reports suggested it could take place on Bezos’ massive 417-foot superyacht, the Koru, a vessel that previously caused controversy in the Netherlands over the potential dismantling of a historic bridge for its passage.
Other outlets pointed to a monastery on the private island of San Giorgio Maggiore as a potential venue.
Adding another layer, activists claim the wedding is slated for the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a 14th-century building now used as an event venue.
Regardless of the precise spots chosen, the sheer scale of the expected event – including a guest list officially limited to 200 by city officials but rumored to include numerous celebrities and billionaires like Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Leonardo DiCaprio – has fueled anxieties.
Venice: A City on the Edge
The backdrop to this high-profile event is Venice’s ongoing battle with overtourism. The island city center, home to only about 50,000 residents, hosts an estimated 20 million tourists yearly. This influx strains infrastructure, exacerbates a housing crisis by converting residential buildings into short-term rentals, and contributes to a declining local population. The city is also physically vulnerable, actively sinking due to rising sea levels and the environmental impact of heavy boat traffic. In an effort to manage visitor numbers, Venice recently introduced a daily entrance fee for day-trippers during peak times.
It is against this sensitive backdrop that a multi-million dollar event for one of the world’s richest men has ignited significant local opposition.
Why the Protests? “No Space for Bezos”
Activists, rallying under the banner “No Space for Bezos” – a name playfully referencing the couple’s space exploration interests via Blue Origin – argue that the wedding is symptomatic of larger problems. They view the event as the privatization and exploitation of their city by the ultra-rich, prioritizing lavish spectacle over the needs of residents.
Protesters highlight several key grievances:
Exacerbating Overtourism: The influx of guests, security, and associated boats adds pressure to an already strained system. Activists argue the city is being treated as a “private ballroom.”
Wealth Inequality & Taxation: Environmental groups like Greenpeace have joined the protests, displaying banners in St. Mark’s Square with Bezos’s image and the message: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more tax.” This underscores calls to tax the super-rich and hold them accountable for environmental impact.
Disruption to Daily Life: Fears of excessive bookings of water taxis and gondolas, vital for local transport, although denied by organizers and officials, initially sparked concern about impeding residents’ movement.
Lack of Local Benefit: While officials suggest the wedding provides an economic boost, protesters argue that ordinary Venetians will not significantly benefit from the millions spent, feeling marginalized in their own city. Some protest organizers have also cited past political actions by Bezos as a personal grievance.
Protest actions have been visible across the city, with banners and posters hung on iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge, the San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower, and in St. Mark’s Square. Some activists have threatened peaceful but disruptive actions, vowing to block canals with boats and inflatables if the wedding proceeds at locations like the Scuola Grande della Misericordia.
Responding to the Criticism
In response to the growing unrest, the wedding organizers, London-based Lanza & Baucina (known for planning George and Amal Clooney’s Venice wedding), issued a rare statement. They vehemently denied rumors of “taking over” the city, calling them “entirely false.” They asserted that instructions from Bezos and Sánchez from the outset* emphasized minimizing disruption, respecting residents, and employing local Venetians. They claimed the number of reserved water taxis and gondolas was proportionate to the 200 guests and not excessive, a point corroborated by Venice authorities.
Venice’s Mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, has publicly welcomed the event, stating the city is “very proud” and capable of hosting such high-profile gatherings, comparing it to film festivals or G7 summits. He expressed shame regarding the protesters and hoped the wedding would proceed, stating not all Venetians share the protesters’ views. He also confirmed working with organizers to ensure respect for the city’s fragility.
Sources close to the couple have also emphasized their efforts to support Venice. Bezos’ Earth Fund reportedly made a significant donation of a million euros to Corila, an academic consortium studying the Venetian lagoon, in April – notably, before the protests gained significant traction. Furthermore, reports indicate that around 80% of wedding provisions are being sourced from local Venetian vendors, including historic businesses like pastry maker Rosa Salva and Murano glass studio Laguna B, aiming to highlight the city’s artisanal traditions and ensure some direct local economic benefit. Antonio Rosa Salva, the sixth-generation owner of the bakery, welcomed the event, viewing it as “responsible tourism” that brings prestige.
As the wedding week unfolds, the juxtaposition of extravagant celebration and vocal protest highlights the complex challenges facing Venice, caught between its economic reliance on tourism and the urgent need to protect its environment and preserve the quality of life for its residents.
