Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Venice Wedding Stirs Local Protests Over Tourism

Venice, the city of canals and timeless charm, finds itself at the center of a modern-day drama as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez prepare for their much-anticipated wedding. While the couple’s plans promise glitz and glamour, they’ve also sparked a wave of discontent among locals already weary of the city’s battle with overtourism. But hold on—let’s not paint this as a simple villain story. The wedding planners are pushing back against claims of a city ‘takeover,’ insisting they’re doing everything possible to keep disruptions to a minimum.

According to the event organizers at Lanza & Baucina Limited, who’ve been orchestrating events in Venice for over two decades, the narrative of chaos is pure fiction. They’ve made it clear that Bezos and Sánchez explicitly directed them to respect the city’s rhythm, its people, and its institutions. ‘No exaggerated fleets of water taxis or gondolas,’ they emphasized, countering rumors with the assurance that only a proportional number of taxis have been booked for the 250-guest event. Their goal? To ensure Venetians and visitors alike barely notice the high-profile affair amidst their daily lives.

Yet, not everyone is buying the ‘minimal impact’ promise. Local protest organizer Federica Toninello is leading the charge against the wedding, vowing to block venues like the iconic Misericordia with everything from bodies in the streets to boats in the canals. Her frustration isn’t just about this one event—it’s a cry against Venice becoming a tourist playground where skyrocketing housing costs push out ordinary residents. With 20 million visitors flooding the city of 50,000 annually, it’s a tension that’s been simmering for years.

On the flip side, Venice’s Mayor Luigi Brugnaro sees the wedding as a point of pride. He calls it an honor that such a global figure chose Venice as their stage, reinforcing the city’s status as a world-class destination. City officials also downplayed concerns, noting that Venice regularly hosts massive events like the G7, G20, and the Biennale without breaking a sweat. They argue this celebration will seamlessly blend into the city’s bustling routine.

As the weekend approaches, whispers of a star-studded guest list—including names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, and Ivanka Trump—add to the buzz. Meanwhile, the couple’s team doubles down on their commitment to supporting Venice’s future through nonprofit initiatives focused on preserving its precious lagoon. Will this wedding be a fairy tale or a flashpoint? Only time—and perhaps a few well-placed gondolas—will tell.