Empire State Review Contributor 
Venice, Italy, June 27, 2025 — Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez officially wed in a grand ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy. The opulent event, attended by approximately 200 high-profile guests, spanned several days and featured a series of extravagant celebrations, drawing both admiration and criticism.
A Celebration of Glamour and Grandeur
The wedding festivities commenced with a welcome dinner on June 26, where guests arrived via water taxis, embracing Venice’s iconic canals. The bride, Lauren Sánchez, captivated attendees in a custom-made Dolce & Gabbana gown, inspired by Sophia Loren’s dress in the 1958 film “Houseboat.” The intricate lace dress, adorned with 180 silk chiffon-covered buttons, required 900 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.
The ceremony itself took place at the historic basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore. Sánchez was escorted down the aisle by her father, Ray Sánchez, a former flight instructor, while Jeff Bezos awaited at the altar in a classic black tuxedo. The couple exchanged vows in a nondenominational service, with Matteo Bocelli, son of renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, performing during the ceremony.
A Star-Studded Guest List
The guest list read like a who’s who of global celebrities and influential figures. Attendees included Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Orlando Bloom. Notably, Tom Brady was seen engaging in animated conversation with actress Sydney Sweeney during the celebrations, sparking media buzz.
Extravagant Festivities
The multi-day event featured themed parties, including a “Dolce Notte” pajama-themed afterparty, where Sánchez donned a rose pink Atelier Versace gown embellished with Swarovski crystals. Guests were treated to luxurious accommodations across Venice’s top hotels, such as the Aman Venice, Hotel Cipriani, and the Gritti Palace.
In a nod to their commitment to philanthropy, Bezos and Sánchez requested that guests forgo traditional wedding gifts. Instead, they made donations on behalf of each attendee to local Venetian causes, including the UNESCO Venice Office, CORILA for lagoon restoration, and Venice International University for sustainable research initiatives.
Local Backlash and Protests
Despite the festivities, the wedding faced criticism from local residents and activists concerned about the impact of such lavish events on Venice’s delicate ecosystem and cultural heritage. Protesters from the “No Space for Bezos” campaign unfurled banners and staged demonstrations, highlighting issues of overtourism and commercialization of the historic city.
In response, the couple emphasized their efforts to minimize disruption by employing local vendors and artisans, and by making substantial charitable contributions to support Venice’s preservation.
A Union of Shared Passions
Bezos and Sánchez’s relationship began publicly in 2019, following their respective divorces. The couple shares a passion for aviation and space exploration; Sánchez, a licensed helicopter pilot, founded Black Ops Aviation and led Blue Origin’s first all-female space crew in April 2025. Together, they have been active in philanthropic endeavors, including the Bezos Earth Fund and various educational initiatives.
As the celebrations concluded, the newlyweds departed Venice, embarking on their next chapter together, leaving behind a city that had witnessed both the splendor of their union and the complexities of hosting such a high-profile event.
