Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Say “I Do” in Lavish Venice Wedding

In a dazzling ceremony filled with celebrity guests and picturesque views, tech mogul Jeff Bezos and Emmy-winning journalist Lauren Sánchez tied the knot on Friday, June 27, on the enchanting island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy. The occasion was not only a personal milestone for the couple, but also a star-studded affair that drew an impressive list of attendees from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy.

Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sánchez

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Say “I Do” in Lavish Venice Wedding

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez

The couple celebrated their union with an extended three-day event, showcasing the beauty of the Floating City. More than 200 guests graced the occasion, including notable figures such as media titan Oprah Winfrey, actresses Kim Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian, musician Usher, actor Orlando Bloom, and football legend Tom Brady. The wedding festivities were described as a blend of elegance and festivity, reflecting the couple’s shared appreciation for life’s finer moments.

 

The ceremony itself was a black-tie affair, set against the picturesque backdrop of Venice’s iconic architecture. A source revealed that the event commenced with a heartfelt performance of Elvis Presley’s classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” sung by Matteo Bocelli. The emotional tone set by the music resonated with guests, many of whom were visibly moved by the couple’s commitment to one another.

 

Following the ceremony, Sánchez took to Instagram to share a glimpse of their special day. In a beautifully curated photograph, the newlyweds were seen beaming with joy while holding hands amidst a stunning garden setting, surrounded by their esteemed guests.

 

Sánchez’s wedding attire was a remarkable highlight of the event. The journalist donned a stunning mermaid-style gown designed exclusively by Dolce & Gabbana, featuring intricate hand-appliquéd Italian lace that showcased the craftsmanship of the renowned fashion house. Complementing her ensemble, she wore borrowed diamond earrings from the same designer, while her “something blue” was a special memento from her journey aboard Blue Origin, Bezos’s aerospace company.

In the lead-up to their wedding, the couple was photographed making their way through Venice, arriving separately at the Aman Hotel on June 25. Sánchez opted for a chic, retro-inspired all-white suit, paired with a silk headscarf, while Bezos looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo and aviator sunglasses.

 

The couple’s pre-wedding festivities included a welcome party for their guests on June 26, held at a cloister near the Madonna dell’Orto church. Guests were treated to a culinary feast prepared by a famed Neapolitan chef, featuring an array of dishes including pizza, fried zucchini flowers, and seafood delicacies. For dessert, the menu offered an assortment of pastries and lemon cakes, celebrating the local culinary heritage.

 

Originally, the couple had planned to hold their wedding ceremony at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, but a last-minute change in venue was made due to security concerns amid local protests related to the wedding. In a gesture of goodwill toward the city of Venice, Bezos and Sánchez emphasized a commitment to supporting local artisans and vendors throughout their wedding celebrations. Reports indicate that approximately 80% of the provisions for their event were sourced from Venetian businesses, including the famous pastry shop Rosa Salva and the glass design studio Laguna B.

 

Moreover, the couple encouraged their guests to contribute to the city rather than give traditional wedding gifts. Their invitations highlighted three Venetian charities, including the UNESCO Venice Office and Venice International University, to which they planned to donate the funds raised. The couple expressed their gratitude for Venice’s hospitality, stating, “This magical place has gifted us unforgettable memories,” and hoping their contributions would help preserve the city’s charm for future generations.

 

Sebastiano Costalonga, a local city councillor, expressed enthusiasm for the couple’s philanthropic efforts, noting that the funding would greatly benefit Venice’s delicate ecosystem and heritage.

 

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s relationship became public knowledge in January 2019, around the same time the Amazon founder announced his divorce from MacKenzie Scott after 25 years of marriage. Sánchez was also in the process of finalizing her divorce from actor and producer Patrick Whitesell. While the specifics of how the two met remain somewhat of a mystery, sources suggest they developed a close bond while collaborating on various projects, eventually evolving into a romantic relationship.

 

In a candid interview with WSJ Magazine in January 2023, Sánchez reflected on her relationship with Bezos, describing their time together as a blend of companionship and partnership. “We love to be together and we love to work together,” she shared, revealing that Bezos possesses a humorous side often unseen by the public. “He’s really funny. He makes me laugh all the time. He can be goofy,” she added.

 

May 2023 marked another significant chapter in their love story when a source confirmed their engagement, which coincided with a vacation in the South of France. Sánchez was spotted wearing an eye-catching engagement ring while enjoying time aboard Bezos’s luxury superyacht, Koru. The two were described as being “on cloud nine” and deeply in love, with Sánchez often admiring her new ring.

 

Last year, during Bezos’s 60th birthday celebration, Sánchez shared a heartfelt tribute to her fiancé on Instagram, highlighting their joyful moments together and expressing her hopes for a year filled with happiness and love.

 

With their nuptials in Venice, Bezos and Sánchez have officially blended their families. While Bezos shares four children with his ex-wife, Sánchez has a son, Nikko, from her previous relationship with Tony Gonzalez, and two children, Evan and Ella, from her marriage to Whitesell.

 

As they embark on this new chapter together, Bezos and Sánchez’s wedding not only celebrated their love but also underscored a commitment to giving back to the community that has played a role in their journey. Their story, marked by romance, laughter, and philanthropy, continues to unfold as they navigate life as husband and wife.