In a move that’s raised both eyebrows and applause, Jeff Bezos decided to tie the knot Lauren Sánchez kicked off in the historic city of Venice.
With critics circling and the city bracing for protest murmurs due to the extravagance of the event, Bezos and Sánchez have thrown some serious cash in the direction of local institutions .
According to Italian authorities, reported by Reuters, the power couple handed over €1 million each to three Venetian groups: CORILA, a research consortium that studies the fragile lagoon ecosystem; the local office of UNESCO; and Venice International University. While some are calling it an act of goodwill, others are questioning the timing.
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Still, the donation has done little to silence debate over the eye-watering cost of the wedding itself. Estimated at somewhere between €40 million and €48 million (that’s up to $56 million), the celebrations have been nothing short of a three-day spectacle.
That includes a private concert on a tiny island across from St Mark’s Square, a medieval church lit up for the welcome party, and a grand finale at the Venetian Arsenale — a centuries-old shipyard once central to the city’s naval empire.
Big names have descended on the floating city like a Hollywood migration. Included in the list of celebrities are President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and Kris Jenner have already been spotted cruising the canals, while fashion royalty Diane Von Furstenberg and the reportedly single Orlando Bloom were also seen arriving. Bloom’s now rumoured ex-partner Katy Perry was noticeably absent, reportedly tied up with a performance in Australia and still facing backlash from their Blue Origin space jaunt.
“Lauren wanted some big talent to sing for them and it just doesn't get any bigger than Gaga and Elton,” one source said. “It will be like a mini vacation for the besties.” Despite rumours, it’s been denied that either Lady Gaga or Elton John will be performing — but that hasn’t stopped the chatter.
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Locals, however, have had mixed reactions. While the economic boost — with Italy’s tourism ministry estimating a total impact of over €957 million, thanks in large part to global media coverage — is undeniable, some Venetians are said to be frustrated by the disruption, skyrocketing prices, and closure of key areas to accommodate the wedding.
Bezos and Sánchez, who first made headlines in 2018 when their relationship was exposed, seem to be doing little to keep things quiet this time around. The pair arrived in Venice by helicopter, no less, and have taken up residence at the Aman — the same luxury hotel where George Clooney got married. Rooms with a view start at €4,000 per night, if you’re wondering.
Whether the €3 million donation was a generous gesture or a strategic PR move, one thing’s for sure — when Jeff Bezos gets married, the entire city knows about it.