Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are gearing up for a lavish wedding this summer in Venice, Italy, with plans to celebrate aboard Bezos' $500 million luxury yacht, Koru. The ceremony, however, will not take place on the yacht, which will serve as a water taxi transporting guests between various venues for the festivities. The couple's guest list reportedly boasts some of the biggest names in entertainment and politics, including Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kim Kardashian.
Preparations for the event have created a buzz in Venice, with the city’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, assuring residents that the wedding will not disrupt daily life. "We are working closely with the organizers to ensure that the event respects the delicate nature and uniqueness of our city," he stated. The mayor emphasized that the city is accustomed to hosting large events and assured that there are no plans to block off large areas or reserve excessive accommodations.
Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55, have been together since 2019 and got engaged in May 2023, when Bezos presented Sánchez with a stunning 20-carat, $2.5 million pink diamond ring. In an interview with Vogue, Sánchez recalled the surprise of finding the ring under her pillow after a romantic dinner on the Koru yacht. "When he opened the box, I think I blacked out a bit," she said, adding that she was not expecting the proposal at all.
As the couple prepares for their big day, they are also navigating the expectations that come with such a high-profile union. Sánchez indicated she is ready to embrace her future role, stating, "I think there are a lot of opportunities that come with that, and I take those opportunities very seriously." She confirmed her intention to take Bezos' last name, eagerly anticipating becoming "Mrs. Bezos."
The wedding is set for June 24 to 26, 2025, and will accommodate approximately 200 guests. While the ceremony will not occur on the yacht, it will play a central role in the events surrounding the wedding. Guests are expected to stay at some of Venice's most luxurious hotels, with rates starting at $3,200 per night.
Excitement in Venice is palpable as the city prepares for the arrival of celebrities. Local reports indicate that the most prestigious hotels are fully booked, and an entire fleet of water taxis has been secured for the occasion. The choice of Venice is significant for the couple, as they have visited the city frequently throughout their relationship.
Bezos and Sánchez's engagement party last August set the stage for the upcoming wedding, with notable guests including Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Barbra Streisand. The couple's wedding plans have sparked a mix of enthusiasm and concern among residents, prompting the mayor to address potential disruptions. "The speculation and 'fake news' surrounding Jeff Bezos' wedding are incorrect," Brugnaro said, emphasizing that the city functions normally and will not be adversely affected.
Despite the extravagant nature of the event, Sánchez has shown she is not overly concerned about the costs. Recently, she was seen carrying a $5,750 Balenciaga handbag shaped like a coffee cup, a testament to her stylish flair. As the couple prepares for their nuptials, they have also taken precautionary steps by signing a prenuptial agreement, a move that highlights the complexities of marrying into immense wealth.
The wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez promises to be one of the most talked-about events of 2025, not just for the couple but for Venice itself, as it continues to grapple with the challenges posed by tourism and environmental concerns. The city, known for its fragile ecosystem, is under constant scrutiny, especially after significant flooding in recent years.
As the wedding date approaches, all eyes will be on the couple and their carefully curated plans. With a star-studded guest list and a picturesque location, Bezos and Sánchez are set to create a memorable celebration that reflects their unique relationship and shared history. Whether the wedding will serve as a model for future events in Venice remains to be seen, but it certainly highlights the intersection of celebrity culture and the delicate balance of preserving one of the world's most iconic cities.
