Inside the Secretive, Star-Studded Bezos-Sanchez Wedding in Venice

Venice, the romantic city of canals, is bracing for what could be one of its most extravagant — and tightly guarded — events in years: the rumored wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist-turned-helicopter pilot Lauren Sanchez.

While the couple’s team is staying silent and guests have reportedly signed NDAs, the whispers around Venice are growing louder. From elite guest lists and historic venues to local protests and hush-hush helicopter arrivals, here’s what we know — and what’s still under wraps — about this high-profile union.

A Lavish Affair Cloaked in Secrecy

Though the official date remains a mystery, wedding planners have reportedly booked multiple venues across several days to remain flexible — a smart move considering Venice’s unpredictable weather and a looming threat of protests. Plans are being handled by Lanza and Baucina, the same duo who staged George and Amal Clooney’s unforgettable Venetian wedding.

One thing’s certain: this is no quick elopement. From private yacht moorings and helicopter clearances to gourmet pastries and glass-blown party favors, the affair is shaping up to be a multimillion-dollar spectacle.

Venice’s Streets of Water: Reserved and Ready

Bezos and Sanchez appear to be going all-in on Venetian luxury:

• Around 30 elite water taxis have reportedly been reserved.
• The city’s nine yacht ports are fully booked, with Bezos’ $500 million Koru yacht and its shadow vessel L’Abeona already spotted in the Adriatic.
• Gondolas are on standby, and the Marco Polo Airport is ready to usher in private jets and helicopters — including those transporting high-security guests like heads of state.

Even Venice’s airspace has been closed to drones, with rare exceptions granted for authorized aircraft.

Who’s on the Guest List?

The couple hasn’t released an official list, but we’re picking up clues. Sanchez’s bachelorette bash in Paris last month included Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Eva Longoria, and Katy Perry. Meanwhile, sources suggest invitations were sent to Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger, and Ivanka Trump.

There’s even speculation from local officials that Donald Trump or President Biden (in Europe for the NATO summit) could make a surprise appearance — though that seems increasingly unlikely.

The Venue Guessing Game

Several iconic locations are rumored, but nothing is confirmed:

• The Cini Foundation on San Giorgio Maggiore island — home to sculpted gardens and a working monastery — is a frontrunner for hosting a formal dinner.
• The Aman Venice, where the Clooneys wed, remains in the mix.
• The Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a 16th-century armory, could serve as the ceremony venue — though it’s been flagged as a target by potential protesters.
• A mysterious gazebo near the Excelsior Hotel on the Venice Lido has also raised eyebrows.

Sources say the couple is intentionally waiting until the last moment to finalize decisions, keeping flexibility top of mind.

Local Luxury and Thoughtful Touches

Despite criticism that the wedding may disrupt local life, organizers insist they’re working hard to minimize impact. In fact, they say 80% of wedding provisions are sourced from Venice itself, including:

• Pastries from Rosa Salva, the city’s oldest pastry shop (tasked with assembling 200 luxe goodie bags).
• Custom favors from Murano glassware designer Laguna B, though details are under wraps.

Organizers emphasized in a statement that they’ve gone out of their way to be respectful:

“Rumors of ‘taking over’ the city are entirely false and diametrically opposed to our goals and to reality.”

Who’s Dressing the Bride?

Lauren Sanchez has been tight-lipped about her gown — as tradition dictates. But fashion watchers suspect she may wear Dolce & Gabbana, a brand she’s been seen in frequently, including during last summer’s Alta Moda show in Sardinia. Oscar de la Renta is also in the running — Sanchez wore a custom gown from the label during her 2024 debut.

A Wedding Worth Watching — Even From Afar

For now, the date, dress, and exact location remain secret. But one thing’s certain: this wedding is already a spectacle — whether you’re in Venice or watching from across the globe.

With tight security, celebrity buzz, and a city that’s no stranger to star-studded events, the Bezos-Sanchez nuptials are shaping up to be an unforgettable moment in both pop culture and Venetian history.

Source: CNN – Venice’s most guarded secret: Inside the Bezos-Sanchez wedding plans