In a highly anticipated event, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is set to marry former news anchor Lauren Sanchez in Venice, Italy, this summer. The wedding, scheduled for June 24 to 26, 2025, will reportedly be an extravagant affair aboard Bezos's $500 million superyacht, Koru, which will be anchored in the picturesque Venice lagoon.
Amid swirling rumors and speculation regarding the couple's lavish plans, the City of Venice has issued an official statement to clarify the details surrounding the wedding. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that the event will not disrupt the city's daily operations or the experiences of its residents and visitors. "We are mutually working and supporting the organizers to ensure that the event will be absolutely respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city," Brugnaro stated.
Local media had previously reported that the couple had booked numerous hotel rooms, gondolas, and water taxis for their wedding festivities, raising concerns about potential disruptions in the city. However, the mayor firmly denied these claims, labeling them as "fake news." He reiterated that the city can comfortably accommodate the 200 guests expected to attend the ceremony, citing its experience with hosting large-scale events such as the G20 and G7 summits, as well as the Architecture and Cinema Biennales.
According to reports, the wedding invitations have already been sent out to a star-studded guest list that includes celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The couple, who began dating in 2019 and got engaged in May 2023, is eager to celebrate their love in one of the world's most romantic cities.
In an interview on the Today Show, Sanchez shared her excitement about the upcoming wedding, saying, "I never thought at 54 that I’d be getting married. Life is just beginning." She has been actively involved in planning the wedding, utilizing Pinterest boards to curate her vision for the day.
The couple's previous marriages add another layer of complexity to their relationship. Sanchez was previously married to Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell, with whom she shares two children, Ella and Evan. Additionally, she has a son, Nikko, from her marriage to former NFL player Tony Gonzalez. Bezos, on the other hand, was married to MacKenzie Scott from 1993 to 2019, and they share four children together.
Despite the grandeur of the wedding, the mayor has assured the public that the event will be organized in a way that respects the city's heritage and daily life. "The many speculations and fake news circulating about Jeff Bezos’ wedding are completely unfounded," Brugnaro reiterated, emphasizing the city's commitment to normalcy during the celebrations.
As the wedding date approaches, anticipation continues to build around the couple's nuptials. The event is expected to be a blend of elegance and celebrity presence, reminiscent of high-profile weddings in the past. Lauren's brother Paul Sanchez hinted at the scale of the event, suggesting it would be "like a Princess Di thing—just huge and fun, and just a blast." This comparison to the iconic wedding of Princess Diana underscores the expectations surrounding the ceremony.
However, logistical challenges remain, particularly regarding the yacht's access to Venice's famed waterways. Although Bezos's yacht is under the weight limit set for vessels entering the lagoon, it is still considered too large for navigating the Grand Canal. Venice's strict regulations, established to protect its historic sites, may require the couple to adjust their plans accordingly.
As the city prepares for the influx of guests and media attention, officials are confident in their ability to manage the situation without significant impact. "Venice is used to being the stage for events and shows every week, without significant impacts," Brugnaro stated, reassuring both residents and visitors that the city can handle the upcoming festivities.
In summary, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding promises to be a remarkable event, combining luxury and celebrity in one of the world's most beautiful settings. With careful planning and cooperation between the couple's team and city officials, the couple hopes to celebrate their love while preserving the charm and integrity of Venice.
