Bezos and Sánchez: the union the world is talking about
Power, style, and protest: everything about the Bezos wedding
The June 2025 wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez became more than just a high-society event – it marked a true cultural moment. One of the world’s richest men and a well-known TV host, pilot, and philanthropist united their lives against the majestic backdrop of Venice. The ceremony itself was symbolic, as the legal marriage reportedly took place earlier in the U.S., but the three-day celebration in Italy became the focal point of global attention and admiration far beyond elite circles.
The main ceremony was held on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where around 200 guests gathered in an ancient basilica. Among them were Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Queen Rania of Jordan, and other representatives of the global elite. Security was at its highest – guests surrendered their phones at the entrance, and the full schedule remained secret until the ceremony began.
The celebration’s style matched the couple’s stature and ambition. Each day followed its own theme – from a Gatsby-style party to more intimate, symbolic moments. Sánchez’s looks – gowns by Dolce & Gabbana and a 30-carat diamond ring – were widely covered by the international press. Bezos, true to his minimalist preferences, opted for a restrained yet elegant look.
What captured public attention, however, wasn’t just the luxury but the controversy surrounding it. Venetians protested the event, criticizing it as excessive and symbolic of deep economic inequality. Under the slogan “Kisses Yes, Bezos No”, activists blocked bridges and called for a wealth tax. City officials acknowledged the tensions but also pointed to the significant economic benefits such events bring.
Nevertheless, the couple showed an awareness of their impact: instead of gifts, they invited guests to make donations toward initiatives preserving Venice. Bezos and Sánchez themselves reportedly contributed around €2 million to the city’s related causes.
The wedding ended with performances by Ellie Goulding and Matteo Bocelli, alongside live music and water shows. But beyond the opulence and guest lists, the event represented something larger – a redefinition of public unions in an age of immense wealth, influence, and the transformation of the personal into the global.
