Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding was both an extravagant public spectacle and a tightly controlled private event. Held over three days in Venice, Italy, the highlight came on Friday with a ceremony on the exclusive San Giorgio Maggiore island.
The guest list was a who’s who of celebrities — Oprah Winfrey, the Kardashian-Jenners, Bill Gates, Usher, and more — all seen boarding water taxis en route to the secluded venue. However, once inside, the festivities went dark on social media, hinting at a strict privacy policy for attendees.
High Fashion, Historic Venue, and a Wedding Amid Controversy in Romantic Venice
Lauren Sanchez’s wedding wardrobe captured nearly as much attention as the ceremony itself. Her primary gown, a custom creation by Dolce & Gabbana developed over 18 months, featured a high neckline, a lace corseted bodice, and 180 silk chiffon-covered buttons.
Later in the evening, she changed into two more striking looks: a sweetheart-neckline dress inspired by the 1946 film Gilda, followed by a glittering Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress embellished with 175,000 crystals. Vogue featured these fashion moments in an exclusive digital cover story.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren SanchezSan Giorgio Maggiore, a Renaissance-era architectural gem designed by Andrea Palladio, was likely chosen not only for its beauty but for its isolation. Recent protests in Venice targeting ultra-wealthy visitors, including threats of canal blockades and anti-Bezos demonstrations, reportedly forced last-minute changes to the weekend itinerary.
The island’s inaccessibility provided the couple with a much-needed sanctuary. Despite controversy, Venice’s Ministry of Tourism projected that the wedding could generate nearly 68% of the city’s annual tourism revenue in just one weekend.
Symbolic Vows, Couture Fashion, and a Glamorous Finale in a Venetian Landmark
While the wedding exuded the grandeur of a legal union, it remains unclear whether Bezos and Sanchez were officially married during the event. According to local authorities, there was no formal request for a legal ceremony in Venice, suggesting the island ceremony was symbolic. Adding a personal touch to the celebration, Sanchez updated her Instagram handle to Lauren Sanchez Bezos shortly after the Vogue coverage went live.
Before the ceremony, Sanchez appeared in a chic Dior skirt suit and Hermès handbag, embodying 1960s elegance. Guests arrived dressed in haute couture by the likes of Versace, Cavalli, and Dolce & Gabbana. Standouts included Kylie Jenner in a powder-blue corset gown and Oprah in a pink mermaid dress.
Although performance details were largely kept secret, Italian media confirmed that Matteo Bocelli opened with Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The final celebration was held at the historic Arsenale, transformed into a modern cultural venue, bringing the glamorous weekend to a dramatic close.