Jeff Bezos, the second richest man in the world and founder of Amazon, is set to marry Lauren Sánchez, former news anchor and Emmy award-winner, on Saturday, December 28, 2023, at an extravagant wedding expected to cost around $600 million.
The upcoming nuptials are scheduled to take place at Dunbar Ranch, owned by actor Kevin Costner, located in Aspen, Colorado, known for its affluence and exclusivity. According to the New York Post, the wedding features the theme of "winter paradise" and is expected to attract numerous high-profile guests.
The couple became engaged earlier this year, with the proposal occurring aboard Bezos’s luxurious $500 million yacht, highlighted by an engagement ring featuring a 30-carat pink diamond. Their relationship became publicly acknowledged back in January 2019, shortly after Bezos finalized his divorce from MacKenzie Scott.
Laurence, 54, and Bezos, 60, are committed to creating memorable moments for their guests, and their wedding preparation reveals the couple’s dedication to detail. Reports indicate they've booked the celebrity-favored sushi restaurant Matsuhisa for private receptions on December 26 and 27.
Sources close to the wedding have suggested the event will be marked by luxury and glamour. "You would almost expect this wedding to steal the social spotlight of the year," said one insider. Following their engagement party held in Positano, Italy, where Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Queen Rania of Jordan were present, the couple seeks to host similarly star-studded celebrations.
While the details surrounding the exact plans remain closely guarded—likely due to non-disclosure agreements with vendors—Budgets for events of this magnitude often encompass extravagant elements like high-end floral arrangements and elaborate catering.
Wedding planners familiar with luxury Aspen events note, “The norm for elite weddings combines opulence with the region’s rustic charm.” They also suggest the couple may choose to integrate local elements during the ceremony and celebrations.
Even as excitement builds, Bezos and Sánchez have purposely maintained silence on exact details, contributing to the mystique surrounding the wedding. Sources indicate their choice of arrangements is dramatically influenced by their status and wealth.
Famed event planners call Aspen the ultimate setting for high-society weddings, where accommodating guests often involves not just luxury hotels but private mansions owned by wealthy friends or family. It's expected many of Bezos's ultra-rich guests will arrive on private jets, outpacing the usual holiday hubbub at the Aspen airport.
“Every year, Aspen becomes more crowded with elite guests this time of year, and this wedding will undoubtedly heighten interest,” said one wedding coordinator. "All around town, people are talking about the buzz surrounding this event, adding to the festive spirit during the holiday season."
The planned affair reflects the couple’s taste for exclusivity and high glamour, with expectations set for dazzling entertainment and decor. Notably, insiders have remarked on distinctions seen among the rich attendees drawn to such high-profile events, typified by guests arriving in style.
Observers note the preparation effort includes hiring renowned chefs and designers, typical for events hosted by top-tier personalities. Often, wedding celebrations involve multiple events throughout the weekend—an observation many foresee for Bezos and Sánchez’s impending celebration.
“They love doing things big,” remarked another insider who wished to remain anonymous. “They’re not just planning one party, but several celebrations over multiple days. The list of activities is set to be quite elaborate!”
While many aspects have yet to be concretely confirmed, attendees should anticipate gourmet cuisine, stunning mountain vistas, and opportunities for winter sports activities. This not only adds interest for those attending but also ensures memories are made against the breathtaking backdrop of the Colorado Rockies.
For such elite events, it’s customary to seek out luxury suites at top-rated hotels like the St. Regis for guest accommodations, alongside other high-end venues spread across Aspen. The weekend’s ceremonies will likely cater not only to wedding traditions but to engaging entertainment options curated for their affluent guests.
With wedding weekend now just days away, the Aspen social scene remains abuzz with anticipation. Will the event live up to the billionaire couple's extravagant reputation? Only time will tell as all eyes turn to the snowy peaks of Colorado for one of the most anticipated weddings of the decade!