The ultimate star-studded celebration in Italy’s most romantic city
Venice just witnessed a love story worthy of a movie script—only this one came with superyachts, couture gowns, and one of the most powerful couples in the world.
On Friday, June 27, 2025, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez said “I do” in a breathtaking ceremony on San Giorgio Maggiore, a private island in the heart of Venice. Surrounded by Renaissance architecture, celebrity guests, and Venetian charm, the event wasn’t just a wedding—it was a cultural moment.
From private arrivals and welcome parties to heartfelt tributes to Venice’s heritage, this multi-day affair was everything you’d expect from a billionaire love story—and more.
The Venue: San Giorgio Maggiore
If Venice is a dream, San Giorgio is its serene soul. Situated directly across from St. Mark’s Square, this exclusive island is home to a 16th-century basilica designed by Palladio and the lush gardens where Bezos and Sánchez exchanged vows.
The ceremony was elegant, intimate, and tightly secured, with over 200 guests ferried in by classic wooden boats. Sources say the couple originally planned to marry at Scuola Grande della Misericordia but relocated due to security concerns and local protests.
The Fashion: Dolce & Gabbana, Diamonds & Blue Origin
The bride wore a show-stopping Dolce & Gabbana custom gown—a corseted, mermaid silhouette crafted with hand-appliquéd Italian lace. Her earrings were borrowed from the fashion house, and her “something blue”? A personal memento from her Blue Origin spaceflight.
Bezos, always suave, appeared in a sharp black tuxedo and aviator sunglasses. Before the ceremony, the couple was seen leaving the Aman Venice Hotel separately—Lauren in a retro white suit with a silk scarf, radiating 1960s Italian cinema vibes.
Elite Guest List & Exclusive Venues
VIP arrivals included Oprah Winfrey, Kim & Khloé Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Queen Rania, Bill Gates, Tom Brady, Usher, and Sam Altman, among others.
Saturday’s celebrations moved to the Arsenale, Venice’s historic fortified naval shipyard, after shifting from the originally planned Scuola Grande della Misericordia for enhanced security.
Stunning Fashion & Couture Moments
Lauren Sánchez wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown—long-sleeved, corseted, lace-detailed, mermaid silhouette, reportedly crafted over 900 hours with a dramatic veil and Alta Gioielleria earrings.
Jeff Bezos complemented her in a matching Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo—black-tie elegance for a high-stakes ceremony.
Earlier in the week, Lauren dazzled in a retro-white suit with a silk headscarf, evoking classic Italian cinema style.
Magnificent Scale & Local Impact
The event’s budget was estimated between €40–56 million (~$46–56 million), a monumental investment in Venetian infrastructure, vendors, and tourism.
Around 90 private jets landed at Marco Polo Airport, and Venetian vendors—water taxis, pastry chefs, glassblowers—were mobilized en masse.
The couple donated to causes including UNESCO Venice, CORILA, and Venice International University, with guests encouraged to forego traditional gifts
Venice: The Eternal Icon
Choosing Venice for such a milestone wasn’t just romantic—it was iconic. A city of palazzos and poetry, gondolas and glass, Venice has long captivated the world’s elite, artists, and lovers. But it’s not reserved for billionaires. With the right guide and timing, anyone can immerse themselves in the splendor that charmed Jeff and Lauren.
How to Get to Venice
By Plane: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), just 30 minutes from the historic city via water taxi or by bus.
By Train: The high-speed Frecce trains from cities like Milan, Florence, or Rome bring you to Venezia Santa Lucia station—right on the Grand Canal.
By Car: Park outside the island at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, then glide into Venice by vaporetto or private boat.
Find your flight to Venice with Kiwi.com
Where to Stay: A Taste of Venetian Glamour
H10 Palazzo Canova – Grand Canal glamour with modern flair, footsteps from Rialto and ideal for those seeking a luxury stay in the heart of Venice. (Rooms from €500 per night)
The Gritti Palace – Pure romance, with Grand Canal views and decadent Venetian interiors. (Rooms from €1000 per night).
Ca’ Sagredo Hotel – A national monument and 5-star hotel with 15th-century frescoes. (Rooms from €400 per night).
Hotel Danieli – For classic cinema elegance, this landmark hotel is a favorite of fashion week regulars. (Rooms from €1500 per night).
Find all the best Hotels in Venice with Booking.com
Top Things to Do in Venice
Even if you weren’t invited to the wedding of the year, Venice has endless magic to offer:
Must-See Highlights:
St. Mark’s Square & Basilica – Golden mosaics and timeless grandeur.
Doge’s Palace – Gothic architecture and echoes of power.
Bridge of Sighs – History wrapped in stone and silence.
Island Escapes:
Murano – Watch master glassblowers create Venetian art.
Burano – Picture-perfect colorful houses and lace craftsmanship.
San Giorgio Maggiore – Visit the church, climb the bell tower, and now… imagine that wedding.
Experiences:
Gondola Rides at Sunset – Still the most romantic cliché.
Walking Tours – Get lost on purpose through secret alleyways.
Food Tours – From cicchetti to creamy tiramisù, taste Venice bite by bite.
Book guided tours, boat rides & tastings for a front-row seat to the floating city.
Dress Like You Belong on a Wedding Guest List
Inspired by this ultra-chic affair? Channel Venetian wedding elegance:
Ivory, blush, and champagne tones.
Flowing silk, wide-leg trousers, or off-the-shoulder cuts.
Pearls, delicate gold, or vintage brooches.
Sunglasses? Always. Think Audrey Hepburn meets Lake Como.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sources. This article is intended as editorial commentary. No official photos, quotes, or statements have been released by Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez, or their representatives.. All rights to names, likenesses, and fashion labels remain with their respective owners. Content intended for lifestyle commentary and travel inspiration only. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a booking through them.Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to follow us for more travel inspirations.
