Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are tying the knot this week. Here’s what to know about their wedding.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former journalist Lauren Sanchez are preparing to exchange vows in a lavish three-day wedding celebration in Italy. However, the extravagant event has sparked controversy and protests among locals due to its opulence and impact on the city of Venice.
Details of the Wedding
The wedding festivities will commence in Venice on Thursday, leading up to the ceremony on Saturday at an undisclosed location. This will be Bezos’ second marriage, following his divorce from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott in 2019. Sanchez, who was previously married to Patrick Whitesell, is set to become Bezos’ second wife.
The ceremony is rumored to take place on the picturesque San Giorgio Maggiore island, known for its historic Church of San Giorgio Maggiore designed by architect Andrea Palladio in the 1500s. In response to public outcry, the couple has relocated their post-wedding party to a shipyard on the outskirts of Venice.
Cost of the Wedding
The extravagant affair is estimated to cost between $64 million to $76 million, with a significant portion of the budget allocated to Venetian vendors. Local products such as pastries and hand-blown glass from Murano will be featured prominently at the event.
With Bezos’ staggering net worth of $230 billion, he ranks among the world’s wealthiest individuals, trailing behind Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk.
Guest List
Approximately 200 guests, including celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Orlando Bloom, and Ivanka Trump, have been invited to partake in the festivities. The event is expected to attract a fleet of private planes landing at Venice’s Marco Polo airport.
About Lauren Sanchez
Lauren Sanchez, a former journalist and children’s book author, is set to become Bezos’ wife. The couple publicly announced their relationship in 2019 and got engaged in 2023. Sanchez, a licensed pilot, recently participated in Blue Origin’s first all-women’s space flight alongside notable personalities like Gayle King and Katy Perry.
Protests and Controversy
Local residents in Venice have voiced their discontent over the city’s prioritization of wealthy tourists, exemplified by Bezos and Sanchez’s extravagant wedding. Critics argue that the influx of affluent visitors contributes to rising housing costs and displaces long-time residents.
Protest groups like “No Space for Bezos” and environmental organization Greenpeace have staged demonstrations against the wedding, highlighting the disparity between the extravagant event and the city’s pressing needs. Despite the backlash, Venetian officials remain steadfast in their support for hosting the high-profile celebration.
As Venice grapples with the challenges of balancing tourism and local livelihoods, the Bezos-Sanchez wedding serves as a focal point for ongoing debates surrounding wealth, privilege, and sustainability in the historic city.
AFP and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
