Summary:
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Reports indicate Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez plan an $11 million wedding in Venice, sparking criticism from activists and environmentalists.
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Preparations for the lavish event are evident, with increased security in Venice and the arrival of high-profile guests.
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Despite controversy over taxes and climate impact, public interest remains high in the star-studded, multi-day celebration.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are reportedly planning a $11(ish) million wedding in Venice this week. The high-profile celebration, expected to span several days and include a guest list of influential figures, has drawn significant attention online and among climate activists and environmentalists.
While the couple has not confirmed the event, several indicators suggest preparations are underway: increased security around Venice’s Teatro La Fenice, a rise in private jet traffic, and the arrival of high-profile individuals have all contributed to speculation.
Jeff Bezos, ci senti? I milionari non sono i padroni del pianeta! Scopri cos’è successo durante la nostra azione a Venezia contro il CEO di Amazon 👉https://t.co/A0ycfCfS5e pic.twitter.com/Kq0xB7tbVt
— Greenpeace Italia (@Greenpeace_ITA) June 23, 2025
On Monday, Greenpeace and the U.K.-based activist group Everyone Hates Elon staged a protest in St. Mark’s Square. They unveiled a large banner that read, “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax.” In a joint statement, the groups criticized Bezos’ reported 1.1% tax rate and the scale of the wedding, pointing to a wedding ring valued at $5 million.
The choice of Venice—a city vulnerable to rising sea levels—as a wedding destination has added to the controversy. A TikTok video that garnered over 1.2 million views juxtaposed footage of the megayacht with recent flood events in the city.
How could any of us blame the Venetians for pushing back!
As Jeff Bezos prepares for a grand Venice wedding, locals are pushing back harder than ever https://t.co/agFNnDNuAV pic.twitter.com/fxKp0A1j1U— Karen Messier Ⓥ🇨🇦 (@KarenMessier) June 21, 2025
Despite the criticism, there remains significant public interest in the event. Sánchez, a former journalist and vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, is reportedly collaborating with Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana on her bridal wardrobe. Unconfirmed reports suggest she may wear multiple designer outfits throughout the weekend.
Guests are rumored to include Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ari Emanuel. The event is reportedly being planned with strict privacy measures, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and restrictions on video drones.
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