Jeff Bezos is gearing up to marry journalist Lauren Sanchez this weekend in Venice.
The couple, who began their relationship in 2019 after Bezos’s split from Mackenzie Scott, got engaged last year.
The wedding festivities, scheduled from Thursday through Saturday, will lure a mix of Hollywood and Silicon Valley stars. However, the local community has voiced discontent over the event taking place on their island.
Here’s what you need to know about this extravagant wedding.
Bezos invites Trump
This week, it emerged that Bezos invited President Trump to the ceremony. The billionaire, who owns Blue Origin and the Washington Post, has recently fortified his ties with Trump, especially after the former president received donations for his upcoming inauguration event.
Interestingly, the shift in Trump’s circle, particularly given Musk’s distancing from the administration, seems to have created space for Bezos to connect more with Trump.
Reports suggest that Trump won’t be attending, but Ivanka Trump, along with her husband Jared Kushner and their children, are on the guest list.
Celebrities descend to Venice
The weekend celebration will feature an impressive roster of guests, including actors, business magnates, and sports icons.
Looking ahead, around 90 private jets are expected to land in Venice for the occasion.
Among the anticipated 200 attendees are Queen Rania of Jordan, Tom Brady, Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Oprah Winfrey, and others like Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, and Mick Jagger.
Additionally, tech visionary Bill Gates and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and her husband Barry Diller are on the invite list.
Activists protest, prompt venue change
Local groups have voiced opposition to the wedding and the celebrity influx. Venice, a well-known tourist destination, faces issues like rising living costs and environmental challenges.
Organizations like Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace are organizing protests against the wedding in various central areas throughout the city. One demonstration featured a large sign with Bezos’s image, suggesting that if he can afford a wedding there, he should pay higher taxes.
There were plans for protests to disrupt guest arrivals over the weekend, but due to security concerns, the wedding’s venue was changed to a less prominent location. Protesters, however, will still regroup at Piazzale Della Stazione on Saturday evening.
Authorities in Venice have criticized the protests. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro welcomed the event, viewing it as beneficial for tourism, but also warned that it could damage the city’s reputation. He emphasized the importance of respecting rights while rejecting intolerance.
A wedding that costs millions
The lavish celebration is projected to cost between $46 million and $56 million. While Bezos didn’t specifically request gifts from guests, he mentioned that contributions would be directed to local organizations focused on preserving Venice.
He plans to make donations to a UNESCO Venice office to help protect the city’s cultural heritage and support sustainable solutions to combat environmental issues.
