Bezos and Sánchez Venetian Wedding: Luxury Amidst Protest
The opulent Venice wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez sparked both celebration and controversy. The lavish three-day affair, culminating in a masked ball, highlighted the city’s ongoing struggle with overtourism and the impact of high-profile events on its delicate ecosystem.
Lavish Celebrations in Venice
The festivities, which took place in Venice, Italy, included a secret ceremony. The event culminated in a masked celebration held at the Arsenale, a historic shipyard. Despite rumors, performances by Lady Gaga and Elton John did not occur at the wedding.
Following the legal marriage held in the United States, the couple hosted lunch at the renowned Harry’s Bar with a select group of guests. The opulent celebration was not without its critics, however, as local activists voiced concerns about the event’s impact.
Celebrity Guests and Extravagant Details
Guests at the final party, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ivanka Trump, and Orlando Bloom, were spotted leaving their hotels. Sources mentioned a performance by Usher, with DJ Cassidy also providing music for the event.
The wedding menu was said to be a tribute to Venetian cuisine, with items such as bigoli pasta and tiramisu featured. The cost of the wedding is estimated to be between $7 and $10 million.
Criticism and Protests
The activist group “There is no place for Bezos” voiced their disapproval, warning of the event’s potential to exacerbate issues tied to overtourism. The choice of Venice for the celebration has drawn attention to how the city is increasingly a setting for luxury events.
“An event of this magnitude will only intensify the problems arising from tourist overexploitation.”
—”There is no place for Bezos” collective
This high-profile event, according to critics, symbolizes the city’s shift towards catering to the ultra-wealthy. Concerns were raised about the carbon footprint linked to the numerous private jets and the substantial number of gondolas and water taxis reserved for Bezos‘s guests. Tourism in Venice has surged in recent years. The city saw over 3 million tourists in 2023, Statista reports.
