Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have reportedly moved their wedding venue in Venice following backlash from locals. Protesters rallied against the high-profile event, saying it would worsen the city’s overtourism crisis.
The couple had just begun celebrating their wedding week on Sunday with a foam party aboard Bezos’ $500 million yacht, according to the Daily Mail. But behind the glamorous kickoff, tension had already been building on the ground.
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Locals push back against celebrity weddings
As Straight Arrow News reported on June 16, Venetians staged demonstrations ahead of the wedding festivities, voicing concerns that celebrity events like these are driving up prices, damaging historic infrastructure and increasing pollution.
According to The New York Times, a protester said, “We will line the streets with our bodies, block the canals with lifesavers, dinghies and our boats,” a statement that was met with applause.
Photos from different protests show signs and graffiti across Venice. One banner from Greenpeace Italia, covering 400 square meters, read, “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more taxes.”
CNN reports local police quickly removed it. A separate local outlet suggested the wedding could bring in economic opportunities for the city. However, protesters questioned whether that money would benefit the people of Venice.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro called the Venetian wedding an honor for the city.
Activist group claims victory
The Italian campaign group posted online Tuesday, June 24, declaring in a translated message:
“We won! The protest managed to ruin Bezos’ plans and Mayor Brugnaro’s palace games.”
According to Reuters, the venue was moved from Cannaregio’s Scuola Grande della Misericordia to the Arsenale, a historic shipyard complex surrounded by water and inaccessible by land — making it more secure.
Despite the protests, Bezos and Sanchez are attempting to support the local community.
Multiple media outlets obtained a copy of a portion of their wedding invitation, which asked guests to donate to Venetian charities in lieu of gifts.
Who’s on the guest list?
Several celebrity and high-profile guests have already been spotted in Venice.
According to The Independent, Ivanka Trump, husband Jared Kushner and their three children were seen boarding a water taxi on Tuesday. Their son, Joseph, was even seen waving back at the reporters.
People reports Leonardo DiCaprio and his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti will attend. Sanchez’s ex-boyfriend, Tony Gonzalez, and his wife are also expected, as the two share a son together.
Sanchez’s bachelorette trip to Paris earlier this year included Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Katy Perry and Eva Longoria. According to People, those same guests are expected to attend the wedding.
Business Insider also reports additional guests on the list:
- Fox Sports broadcaster Charissa Thompson
- Miguel Bezos, Jeff Bezos’ father
- Amazon CEO Andy Jassy
- Author Hugh Howey and his wife Shay Londre
- Island Company founder Spencer Antle
- Early Amazon investor Bill Miller
Aside from the guests, People and CNN report the couple was spotted for the first time in Venice Wednesday, June 25, ahead of their nuptials.
Wedding costs could hit $16 million
While exact details of the event remain under wraps, there are reports that the main wedding festivities are expected to take place between Thursday, June 26 and Saturday, June 28. The Telegraph estimates the celebration could cost up to $16 million.
