Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Begin Lavish Venice Wedding Amid Local Controversy

The wedding bells are about to ring for one of the world’s most powerful couples as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez touched down in Venice, Italy, to kick off their much-anticipated nuptials. Arriving via water-taxi at the luxurious Aman Hotel on Wednesday, the couple radiated excitement, with Sánchez offering a warm wave to onlookers as she stepped ashore.

The wedding festivities, shrouded in secrecy but expected to span from Thursday to Saturday, have already stirred quite a buzz in the historic city. Reports indicate a last-minute venue change due to security concerns and potential protests, moving a key event from the Scuola Grande della Misericordia to the more isolated Arsenale—a former shipyard surrounded by water and accessible only by boat when bridges are raised. This shift reflects the couple’s efforts to balance their grand celebration with respect for the local community.

Venice, already grappling with the pressures of mass tourism, has seen mixed reactions to the event. While some residents express frustration over possible disruptions, the couple’s wedding planners emphasized their commitment to minimizing impact. In a statement, they clarified that no excessive water taxis or gondolas were booked, and efforts were made from the start to honor the city and its people, including employing locals for the event and supporting non-profit initiatives for Venice’s lagoon.

High-profile guests, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, have already arrived, echoing memories of George and Amal Clooney’s iconic 2014 Venice wedding. Meanwhile, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed pride in hosting such a global event, calling it an honor that Venice remains a stage for the world’s elite.

As the celebrations unfold in this picturesque city, the Bezos-Sánchez wedding promises to be a spectacle of love, power, and perhaps a touch of controversy, all set against the timeless backdrop of Venice’s canals.