Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, and journalist Lauren Sanchez kicked off their extravagant wedding celebrations in Venice at the end of June 2024, attracting both VIP guests and a crowd of protesters. With an estimated budget of around US$50 million, the event has been labelled the ‘wedding of the century’—but not without controversy.
Guest List Highlights
- Bill Gates
- Oprah Winfrey
- Orlando Bloom
- Kris Jenner
- Kim and Khloe Kardashian
- Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner
Approximately 200 to 250 guests from various sectors, including entertainment and politics, are expected to join the festivities, which will include a wedding ceremony on the island of San Giorgio.
Protests Against Commodification
The glitz and glamour haven’t come without resistance. Local activists, including Greenpeace and the ‘No Space for Bezos’ movement, expressed their opposition to the wedding, arguing that such events contribute to the commodification of Venice—a city already grappling with loss of its local charm due to overwhelming tourism.
One protester stated, ‘We think that one big billionaire can’t rent a city for his pleasure,’ challenging the notion that wealthy individuals should dominate the cultural and economic landscape.
Economic Impact
Despite the protests, local officials argue that the wedding will boost Venice’s economy significantly. The Mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, and regional governor, Luca Zaia, believe that exclusive events like this will benefit local businesses, from hotels to gondola services. ‘If you look at what concretely the Bezos wedding brings for the good of Venice, there are only advantages and no disadvantages,’ said local tour leader Mattia Brandi.
Reports suggest that Bezos has also pledged substantial charity donations, including funding for initiatives in Venice’s fragile lagoon ecosystem.
Security Measures
In light of the high-profile attendees, security has been tight. Authorities have restricted access to certain areas, effectively transforming parts of Venice into an exclusive venue for the festivities.
The wedding will conclude with a party at the historic Arsenale, a former shipyard turned arts venue, celebrating the couple’s union while raising questions about who really benefits from such high-ticket events.