When the world’s third-richest man gets married, it’s not your average destination wedding. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s $50 million wedding in Venice wasn’t just about vows and velvet, it practically took over the city.

From June 26 to 28, 2025, Venice became a lockdown zone for the ultra-elite. Over 50 luxury hotels and boutique properties in and around San Marco were reportedly fully booked by wedding guests and their entourages. With the arrival of Bezos’ 127-meter megayacht, “Koru,” traffic on the Grand Canal was heavily restricted, forcing locals and tourists alike to reroute or cancel their plans altogether.

Boat taxis were in high demand, with prices reportedly doubling overnight as celebrity guests including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Leonardo DiCaprio poured in. Locals described it as a “Hollywood invasion” and some even joked that Venice had been temporarily bought out.

The estimated $50 million price tag covered:

• Luxury accommodations across multiple Venetian islands

• Custom Dolce & Gabbana gowns (one for Sánchez reportedly took 350+ hours to make)

• Daily themed events, including a silk pajama party and candlelit opera dinners

• Private security and strict no-phone policies

• A spectacular fireworks display visible across the lagoon

• Performances from elite musicians, including Andrea Bocelli’s son, Matteo

Even Murano glassmakers and pastry chefs from historic bakeries like Rosa Salva were commissioned for bespoke items.

Local Backlash and Mixed Reactions

Despite efforts to support Venetian vendors and donate to local causes, many residents weren’t thrilled. Protesters unfurled signs reading “No Space for Bezos” across bridges, while others criticized the environmental footprint of flying in hundreds of guests on private jets and mooring massive yachts in a city already struggling with overtourism.

City officials estimated the wedding injected nearly €1 billion in promotional and tourism value, but local sentiment remained divided. For some, the glitz brought unwanted disruption. For others, it was a rare spotlight on Venice’s unique charm.

Bezos’ wedding wasn’t just a lavish affair, it was a global media event, a logistical challenge, and a glimpse into how power couples can shape (or shake up) an entire city. Whether admired or critiqued, one thing’s for sure, it won’t be forgotten anytime soon.