Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s high-profile relationship—once hidden from the public due to previous marriages—has now culminated in a lavish, multi-day Venetian wedding. The billionaire Amazon founder and the journalist-turned-philanthropist have made headlines not only for their audacious love story but also for the extravagant details surrounding their nuptials. From secret courtship to global spectacle, their union has sparked both admiration and backlash. The star-studded guest list, iconic venue, and media frenzy reflect a modern fairy tale—albeit one not without controversy. Their celebration raises questions about wealth, love, and legacy in an age obsessed with status and visibility.
Secret Romance Becomes Public Obsession
The romance between Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sánchez first made waves in 2019, when tabloids exposed their relationship while both were still married to other people. The revelation, made more scandalous by the simultaneous collapse of Bezos’s marriage to philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, thrust the couple into an unwanted spotlight. Despite the drama, Bezos and Sánchez forged ahead, becoming red carpet regulars and popping up at every major event from the Met Gala to the Vanity Fair Oscar party.
From Private Jet to Wedding Vow: The Road to Venice
Bezos and Sánchez got engaged in 2023 and immediately set their sights on a wedding as grand as their lifestyle. On June 25, 2025, they arrived in Venice by taxi-boat, days before tying the knot. Click to watch their Venetian arrival. The three-day celebration was meticulously planned by Lanza & Baucina Limited, with initial plans to wed at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia — a 14th-century landmark — until protests forced a change of venue. Now, the Arsenale, an isolated, fortified historic complex, will host the couple and over 200 A-list guests.
A Guest List Fit for Royalty (and Reality TV)
Celebrities began arriving ahead of the big day, including Kim and Khloé Kardashian and Kris Jenner, longtime friends of Sánchez. Other expected attendees include Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, Katy Perry, and Orlando Bloom. Sánchez’s ex, NFL legend Tony Gonzalez, is also slated to appear. The couple’s bachelorette party in Paris hinted at the luxurious tone of the ceremony. Their $23–$34 million celebration has made waves across Italian and global media. Click to watch wedding guest arrivals.
Protests in Paradise: Locals Push Back
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, the lavish affair has not been universally welcomed. Protesters in Venice displayed signs reading “No Space for Bezos,” criticizing the city’s willingness to accommodate billionaire excess amid gentrification and climate concerns. Activists unfurled banners calling for higher taxation and accountability. Local opposition forced the couple to move the ceremony, further intensifying debates about wealth inequality and tourism’s impact on historic cities.
Big Love, Big Style, and Even Bigger Opinions
Still, for all the criticism, there’s no denying the pair’s flamboyant, passionate connection. Their over-the-top foam parties, extravagant yacht vacations, and Vogue cowboy cosplay have become viral sensations. Click to see footage from their festivities. What some label excessive, others see as joyous. Their love story may be loud, but it’s also unapologetically theirs. From a dramatic “I love you, alive girl” text to Annie Leibovitz photoshoots, Bezos and Sánchez are building a brand that’s as bold as their bank accounts.
Takeaway: A Toast to Lasting Love in a Loud World
In a world quick to criticize billionaires and influencers alike, it’s easy to overlook the beating hearts behind the headlines. 
Amid the grandeur and controversy, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are, at their core, two people who found love and dared to celebrate it fully. Their wedding — whether seen as a capitalist fantasy or romantic escapade — reminds us of the human desire to love, to be seen, and to commit. May their union be one of depth, devotion, and genuine connection. Here’s to hoping this Venetian vow marks the start of a lifelong journey together. May it truly be a match made in heaven, ‘til death do they part.