Bezos’ €40m Venice wedding draws Kardashians, Oprah, and furious Extinction Rebellion protests

Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sánchez have launched their extravagant wedding celebrations in Venice, arriving by water taxi on Thursday evening for a glittering pre-wedding reception—just as fresh protests erupted across the historic Italian city.

The billionaire Amazon founder and his journalist bride-to-be were all smiles as they waved to crowds while departing their luxury hotel for the first of several lavish events. The couple are reportedly staying at the Aman Venice hotel, where suites start at €4,000 a night.

Guests read like a who’s who of the rich and famous. Oprah Winfrey, donning a wide smile, waved to onlookers outside the Gritti Palace Hotel. Orlando Bloom, dressed entirely in white, flashed a peace sign as he made his way to the festivities. The Kardashian clan, led by Kris Jenner, shared snaps of Kim and Khloé enjoying a water taxi ride, joined by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.

The celebrations, estimated to cost up to €48m (£41m), will span the weekend, culminating in a ceremony that promises to rival royalty. Thursday night’s reception took place at the cloisters of Madonna dell’Orto—a 14th-century church adorned with masterpieces by Renaissance artist Tintoretto.

But outside the cloisters and celebrity sparkle, tensions simmered. Protesters decried what they called the “gift-wrapping” of Venice for the ultra-wealthy. Extinction Rebellion activists took aim at the spectacle, calling it a symbol of economic inequality and environmental disregard.

One demonstrator scaled a pole in St Mark’s Square and unfurled a large banner reading: “The 1% ruins the world.” Others dropped a life-sized mannequin of Bezos—clutching an Amazon box—into one of the city’s canals, drawing cheers from bystanders and criticism from officials.

Activists accuse the ultra-rich of turning Venice into a billionaire’s playground while ordinary citizens struggle with rising costs, mass tourism, and climate impacts such as flooding. “This wedding is a grotesque example of a city being sold off to the highest bidder,” said a local organiser, referencing the widespread frustration with the lack of affordable housing and public space.

Despite the backlash, the atmosphere inside the wedding venues remains jubilant. Around 250 elite guests from entertainment, politics, and finance are expected to attend. While details of the ceremony itself remain closely guarded, the scale of the preparations suggests no expense has been spared.

The Venice festivities mark the latest chapter in Bezos’ carefully curated public image, blending romance and power in one of the world’s most romantic cities. Sánchez, often seen alongside Bezos at global events, is expected to wear a custom gown for the ceremony.

Security has been tight throughout the city, with police monitoring both protest activity and the movements of high-profile attendees. Water taxis, typically reserved for tourists and locals, have been commandeered by celebrity entourages, with paparazzi boats in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile, Venetian residents and businesses remain divided. Some welcome the influx of celebrity money, hoping for a temporary economic boost. Others see the event as yet another step towards the city’s transformation into a playground for the global elite—entirely detached from the struggles of everyday Venetians.

Whether celebrated or condemned, Jeff Bezos’ Venetian wedding has already made waves—literal and political—and the weekend is only just beginning.