Star-Studded Guest List for Jeff Bezos' Wedding in Venice
VENICE, Italy -- A host of high-profile celebrities has begun to arrive in Venice for the lavish wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. Leading the arrivals was media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who touched down in the picturesque city on Thursday via her private jet at Marco Polo Airport. Shortly thereafter, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady was seen making his way to the festivities.
The details surrounding the wedding remain largely under wraps; however, the confirmed guest list is indeed star-studded, featuring a range of notable figures. Among those expected to attend are Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, as well as prominent personalities like Kim Kardashian, Mick Jagger, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Bill Gates. Fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg and her husband Barry Diller are also among the guests. While pop star Katy Perry was initially anticipated to be part of the celebration, recent updates indicate she will not be attending.
As the wedding weekend unfolds, various locations across Venice will serve as venues for the celebrations, including a cloister in the Cannaregio district, the island of San Giorgio, and the famed Arsenale district, known for hosting the Biennale art fair. Veneto governor Luca Zaia has estimated the extravagant event's cost to be between EUR40 million and EUR48 million (approximately $46.7 million to $56 million). He noted that the event is expected to bring around 90 private jets to local airports and will significantly enhance Venice's visibility on the global stage, equating its promotional value to that of five American Super Bowls.
Bezos and Sánchez have made a concerted effort to highlight Venice's rich traditions during their wedding festivities. Reports indicate that approximately 80% of the wedding provisions will be sourced from local Venetian vendors, underscoring their appreciation for the city's artisanal heritage.
However, the grandeur of the event has not come without controversy. Local activists have voiced concerns, arguing that the wedding symbolizes the exploitation of Venice by the wealthy, particularly as residents grapple with issues like overtourism and high living costs. A protest organized by the group Extinction Rebellion took place in St. Mark's Square, featuring a performance that included a masked bride and groom, along with demonstrators holding signs that criticized climate change and economic disparities.
In response to the planned protests, the wedding organizers have altered the event's location to the more secure Arsenale area, moving away from the crowded city center to mitigate disruptions.
Despite the opposition, Venice's city administration has defended the couple's right to host their wedding in the city. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that Venice has a long history of welcoming diverse groups, stating that everyone should have the right to celebrate love and joy without discrimination.
In a gesture reflecting his commitment to environmental causes, Bezos has reportedly made donations of EUR1 million each to three environmental research organizations dedicated to the preservation of Venice, as highlighted by the Venetian environmental research association Corila.