Jeff Bezos Marries Lauren Sánchez in $50 Million Venice Wedding Amid Protests and Online Controversies

Venice, Italy – Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former TV journalist Lauren Sánchez tied the knot in a lavish ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice on Friday, June 27, 2025. The star-studded event, estimated to have cost $50 million, drew more than 200 high-profile guests and sparked both local protests and widespread online discussion.

A Star-Studded Affair

The guest list featured celebrities and business titans, including Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Orlando Bloom, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Karlie Kloss, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Usher. Sánchez’s children were present, though it remains unclear if Bezos’ four children attended, as they have largely stayed out of the public eye.

Sánchez wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding gown inspired by Sophia Loren’s iconic look in the 1958 film “Houseboat,” while Bezos donned a classic black tuxedo. The festivities began earlier in the week, with a foam party on Bezos’s superyacht and a welcome night at Madonna dell’Orto church. The wedding itself was followed by a luxurious dinner at the Arsenal of Venice, a historic shipyard space.

Local Backlash and Protests

The opulent celebration was not without controversy. Venice residents and anti-Bezos groups protested the extravagant event, arguing that the city is already strained by overtourism and should not serve as a playground for billionaires. Demonstrators unfurled a massive banner reading, “If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more tax,” highlighting local frustrations. The backlash prompted a last-minute venue change for the main reception from the Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia to San Giorgio Maggiore.

Online Buzz and Additional Controversies

The wedding’s timing coincided with reports of shifting alliances between Bezos, former President Donald Trump, and Elon Musk, with speculation that Bezos is leveraging Musk’s alleged falling out with Trump to his advantage. Social media also buzzed about Bezos’ notable physical transformation, fueling further discussion.

Compounding the week’s controversies, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Pham LeGro of The Washington Post, which is owned by Bezos, was reportedly arrested. Details surrounding the arrest remain scarce, but the incident added to the scrutiny surrounding Bezos during his high-profile nuptials.

Additionally, the Nelson family accused Amazon of targeting their reputation, a dispute that has also gained traction online.

A Wedding for the Ages

Despite the controversies, the wedding captivated global attention with its blend of glamour, celebrity, and spectacle. The multi-day celebration, reminiscent of George Clooney’s famed Venice wedding, underscored Bezos and Sánchez’s status as one of the world’s most-watched power couples.

As the festivities conclude, the newlyweds remain in the spotlight, their union marking not only a personal milestone but also a focal point for ongoing debates about wealth, influence, and responsibility in the modern era.