Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are turning heads in Venice this week with what many are calling one of the most extravagant weddings of the decade. Over three days, the couple is hosting a high-profile celebration that spans historic sites, luxury hotels, and elite guest arrivals.
Estimated Budget Nears $55 Million
The total estimated cost of the wedding ranges between €40 and €48 million, or $46.5 to $55.6 million, as revealed by Luca Zaia, the regional governor of Veneto. Despite the event’s opulence, Bezos is also making headlines for his philanthropy, reportedly pledging €1 million to Corila, an organization researching and protecting Venice’s delicate lagoon ecosystem.
An Iconic Venetian Landmark as the Backdrop
The Arsenale of Venice, a storied complex once vital to the Venetian naval fleet, is said to host the main celebration. While the precise wedding ceremony location remains undisclosed, this 15th-century site offers both grandeur and seclusion, fitting for a celebration of this magnitude.
Dozens of Private Jets and Water Taxis Mobilized
The city’s airports are expecting an influx of elite arrivals, with around 90 private jets scheduled to land throughout the week. Several of the guests, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, have already made their way to Venice.
To accommodate the unique water-based transport needs of the city, organizers have also arranged 30 or more private water taxis, ensuring smooth transfers for the VIPs between their accommodations and the events.
Five Luxury Hotels Booked Exclusively
Bezos and Sánchez are reportedly hosting their guests—estimated between 200 and 250 people—across five of Venice’s top-tier hotels. These include the Aman Venice, famously associated with George Clooney’s 2014 wedding, and the exclusive Cipriani Hotel on Giudecca island.
With security tight and most information under wraps, Venice remains abuzz with excitement. From billion-dollar tech moguls to global celebrities, the city is playing host to a truly once-in-a-generation celebration.
