Where Did Jeff Bezos Get Married? On June 27, 2025, Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon, married Lauren Sánchez, a former TV journalist, in a high-profile, star-studded ceremony in Venice, Italy. The event, which spanned three days, captured global attention due to its opulence, A-list guest list, and the controversy it sparked among locals. This blog post dives into the details of their wedding, from the picturesque venues to the cultural and social implications, while addressing frequently asked questions about the nuptials.
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The Setting: Venice, Italy
Venice, a city renowned for its romantic canals, historic architecture, and artistic heritage, was the chosen backdrop for Bezos and Sánchez’s wedding. The couple opted for a multi-day celebration, with the main ceremony held on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, a private and picturesque location known for its 16th-century church and serene gardens. The island’s exclusivity provided a secure and intimate setting, ideal for a high-profile event attended by approximately 200 guests, including celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ivanka Trump.
The festivities kicked off on Thursday, June 26, with a candlelit welcome dinner at the Madonna dell’Orto church in Venice’s Cannaregio district. This Gothic-style church set a romantic tone for the event. The main reception took place on Saturday, June 28, at the Arsenale, a historic shipyard complex surrounded by fortified walls, which offered both grandeur and privacy. Initially, the reception was planned for the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a 16th-century building, but the venue was changed due to protests and security concerns.
A Star-Studded Affair
The guest list read like a who’s-who of Hollywood, business, and politics. Notable attendees included Tom Brady, Kris Jenner, Bill Gates, and Orlando Bloom, among others. The couple’s wedding planners, Lanza and Baucina, the same team behind George and Amal Clooney’s 2014 Venice wedding, ensured a seamless experience, with local vendors like Rosa Salva, a historic Venetian bakery, and Laguna B, a Murano glassware studio, contributing to the event’s authentic Venetian flair. Lauren Sánchez wore a stunning Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown with 180 silk chiffon-covered buttons, inspired by Sophia Loren’s 1958 film Houseboat, which took 900 hours to create.
Controversy and Protests
While the wedding was a spectacle of luxury, it wasn’t without controversy. Venice locals, already grappling with overtourism, expressed frustration through protests organized by groups like “No Space for Bezos.” Activists argued that the event, with its influx of 95 private jets and superyachts, exacerbated the city’s environmental and logistical challenges. Posters depicting 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, Bezos and Sánchez donated €3 million to local charities, including the UNESCO Venice Office, to support the city’s cultural heritage.
The city’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, welcomed the event, emphasizing its economic benefits and dismissing protesters as a minority seeking media attention. However, the debate highlighted broader concerns about wealth disparity and the impact of high-profile events on historic cities like Venice, which is sinking due to rising sea levels and mass tourism.
A Love Story in the Spotlight
Bezos and Sánchez, engaged since May 2023 aboard Bezos’s $500 million yacht, Koru, have been a high-profile couple since going public in 2019. Their wedding marked the second marriage for both—Bezos was previously married to MacKenzie Scott, and Sánchez to Patrick Whitesell. The couple’s blended family, including their seven children from previous relationships, was a focal point of the event, with Sánchez’s son Nikko Gonzalez, from her relationship with Tony Gonzalez, in attendance.
The wedding, estimated to cost between $10 million and $76 million, was a testament to their shared vision of a grand yet meaningful celebration. Sánchez’s Instagram post, featuring the couple walking down the aisle, captured the joy of the moment, with her captioning it as a dream come true.
FAQs
Q: Where exactly 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. Additional events took place at the Madonna dell’Orto church and the Arsenale.
Q: Why did they choose Venice for their wedding?
A: Venice’s romantic ambiance, historic venues, and cultural significance made it an ideal choice. The city’s mayor noted that Venice competed with other locations to host the event, highlighting its prestige.
Q: Who attended the wedding?
A: The 200-person guest list included celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump, among others.
Q: Why were there protests against the wedding?
A: Local activists, including the “No Space for Bezos” group, protested due to concerns about overtourism, environmental impact, and the perception that the event turned Venice into a “private ballroom” for the ultra-wealthy.
Q: Did Bezos and Sánchez address the protests?
A: Yes, they donated €3 million to Venetian charities, including the UNESCO Venice Office, to support the city’s cultural preservation efforts.
Q: What was Lauren Sánchez’s wedding dress like?
A: Sánchez wore a Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown with a high-necked silhouette, featuring 180 silk chiffon-covered buttons and a tulle-and-lace veil, inspired by Sophia Loren’s Houseboat costume.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Venice was a blend of romance, luxury, and controversy. While the event showcased Venice’s timeless beauty and the couple’s commitment to each other, it also sparked a broader conversation about wealth, tourism, and cultural preservation. As the couple embarks on their new chapter as Mr. and Mrs. Bezos, their Venetian nuptials will remain a memorable moment in 2025’s cultural landscape.