Jeff Bezos, the co-founder of Amazon, has made headlines recently as he prepares for his wedding to Lauren Sanchez in Venice. However, the couple had to change their wedding venue at the last minute due to protests and security concerns. Initially, they planned to celebrate at the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a beautiful building from the 1300s. But a group of activists threatened to block the canals with inflatable crocodiles, prompting a swift change.
The protests were fueled by rising tensions following U.S. military actions in Iran, which heightened security worries. Additionally, Ivanka Trump’s presence in Venice for the wedding added to the security considerations. As a result, local authorities increased security measures, especially in the Jewish neighborhood of the city.
Activists have expressed their discontent with the lavish wedding, claiming it turns Venice into a private playground for the wealthy. While they promised not to disrupt the ceremony, they organized a “no Bezos, no war” march to voice their concerns. One activist mentioned that they felt successful in their efforts to influence the venue change, questioning the narrative that it was solely due to security issues related to the war.
The couple has now opted for the Arsenale di Venezia, a historic shipyard from the 14th century, as their new venue. This location is unique, as it can only be accessed by boat and is difficult to reach by land when bridges are raised. The Arsenale has been restored and serves as a venue for art exhibitions during the Venice Biennale.
Although the exact details of the wedding ceremony remain private, it is expected to take place sometime between Thursday and Saturday, with around 200 guests arriving in an estimated 95 private jets. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Elon Musk are rumored to be on the guest list.
The couple is also making a charitable gesture by requesting guests not to bring gifts, instead opting to donate to various organizations, including the UNESCO Venice Office and local wildlife charities.
Venice is no stranger to high-profile events, having hosted other celebrity weddings, including that of George and Amal Clooney in 2014. The city attracts millions of tourists each year, and local officials have assured that they are prepared to manage the logistics of this grand occasion while respecting the city’s unique character.
As the wedding approaches, the eyes of the world remain on Venice, where the blend of romance and controversy continues to unfold.