Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez’s dreamy Venice wedding has sparked outrage among Venetian residents, who fear the luxury nuptials will exacerbate the city’s tourist crisis.
On Friday, a group of protesters gathered near Rialto Bridge, vowing to block streets, canals, and boats on June 26-28, when hundreds of guests are expected to descend on the city for Bezos’ lavish wedding. Organizers claim that this event would only worsen housing costs and life in Venice, driven by influxes of tourists.
Federica Toninello, a protest organizer, stated that one venue under consideration is The Misericordia events hall, which Bezos may be prevented from using. She urged the 300 protesters present to take action, promising “we will line the streets with our bodies” and block venues to disrupt the wedding.
The couple’s high-profile guest list includes celebrities like Katy Perry, the Kardashians, Eva Longoria, Oprah Winfrey, and Gayle King, sparking concerns about security for top-tier guests. Estimated costs range from 10 million euros to $21.5 million, including taking water taxis out of circulation.
Venetian City Hall claimed that only 30 of 280 water taxis would be booked and citizens wouldn’t be inconvenienced, citing the city’s experience hosting major events. However, locals disagree, saying it’s “one wedding too many.” Activists have unfurled banners calling for Venice to resist oligarchic control and disrupting Bezos’ $21.5 million nuptials.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/14/world/europe/venice-bezos-sanchez-wedding-amazon.html