The highly anticipated wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez took place on Friday, June 27, 2025, in a lavish, star-studded ceremony in Venice, Italy. The opulent event, spanning three days, saw the couple exchange vows on the picturesque private island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St. Mark's Square. Estimated to cost between $20 million and $50 million (or €40m-€48m), the nuptials were a grand spectacle described by attendees and observers as a "massive affair," symbolizing a new era of "experiential luxury" and "performance of affluence."

The celebrations kicked off with a cocktail reception at the tranquil gardens of the exclusive Aman Hotel, where Bezos and Sanchez were staying, with rooms costing upwards of €4,000 per night. Other celebrity guests were accommodated at the luxurious Gritti Palace and St. Regis hotels. The couple had gone public with their romance in 2019 and got engaged in 2023 with a striking 30-carat cushion-cut pink diamond ring in the South of France. Bezos lauded Sanchez, describing her as "the most generous, most big-hearted person that you would ever meet," and "an inspiration."

Lauren Sanchez's wedding gown, a closely guarded secret, was revealed to be a high-necked Dolce & Gabbana design featuring 180 silk chiffon-covered priest buttons and a traditional tulle-and-lace veil. The veil was notably inspired by the one Sophia Loren wore in the 1958 film "Houseboat." Sanchez told Vogue that the concept evolved over 18 months, beginning with a dinner with Domenico Dolce in New York, transforming from a "simple, sexy modern dress" into something that "evokes a moment." She noted this full-coverage bridal look was "a departure from what people expect." For the wedding dinner, she opted for a sweetheart-neck, corseted silhouette inspired by the film "Gilda," and an intricate cocktail dress featuring 175,000 crystals by Oscar de la Renta. Throughout the celebrations, Sanchez showcased other high-fashion ensembles, including a single-strapped vintage Alexander McQueen dress and an embroidered corset dress from Schiaparelli. Her evolving personal style, influenced by her long career as a reporter and TV personality, has recently trended towards form-fitting, strapless, and mermaid-cut gowns, though she stated she is "having fun" with fashion now.

The guest list was a veritable who's who of A-listers, with around 200-250 prominent figures from show business, politics, and finance in attendance. Notable celebrity guests included Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, Usher, Sydney Sweeney, Karlie Kloss, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Bill Gates, Corey Gamble, Brooks Nader, and Orlando Bloom. Reports indicated that Elton John and Matteo Bocelli performed at the wedding. Jeff Bezos himself donned a sharp black suit for the occasion.

However, the lavish affair was not without its controversies and public scrutiny. Kylie Jenner's choice of an off-white, lingerie-inspired Dilara Findikoglu dress drew widespread criticism for flouting wedding guest etiquette by appearing too close to white. Other guests, including the Kardashian-Jenner clan, faced comedic struggles navigating Venice's water taxis in designer attire and heels, with lip-read comments revealing moments of awkwardness and frustration from figures like Oprah Winfrey and Tommy Hilfiger, the latter allegedly calling the experience "so shit" after a tumble. Megyn Kelly, a media personality, also publicly criticized the guest list, asserting that it prioritized star power over genuine friendship, and made pointed observations about Jeff Bezos's appearance, comparing it to "a walking penis" due to a "too taut" look.

Beyond personal fashion faux pas and logistical challenges, the wedding sparked significant protests from Venice residents and environmental activists. Concerns were raised about overtourism, depopulation due to soaring rents, and the city's fragility. Activists unfurled banners stating, "The 1% ruins the world," "No Space for Bezos," and "If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax," highlighting the substantial carbon footprint left by the numerous mega yachts and private jets (at least 95) that brought the elite to the city. Despite the backlash, Italy's tourism ministry estimated the festivities would generate nearly one billion euros in media visibility, and the newly married couple committed to donating three million euros ($3.5 million) to the city.