Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez have officially tied the knot in what's being called one of the most expensive celebrity weddings of 2025. The power couple exchanged vows in Venice, Italy, during a star-studded celebration that reportedly cost between $40-56 million.

A Venetian Dream Wedding

The billionaire entrepreneur and his bride chose the romantic canals of Venice as the backdrop for their nuptials, with the main ceremony taking place on the picturesque island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The couple arrived by boat at luxury hotels throughout the city, creating a spectacle that captured international attention.

This marks the second marriage for both Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55. The Amazon founder was previously married to philanthropist MacKenzie Scott until their divorce in 2019, while Sánchez was married to Patrick Whitesell, executive chair of talent firm Endeavor, until the same year.

Security Concerns and Venue Changes

The high-profile nature of the wedding required significant security measures. According to local reports, the celebration was moved to a more isolated area of the lagoon city due to security concerns and to prevent potential protests. Venice officials worked closely with event organizers to ensure the safety of all attendees.

The wedding faced some local opposition, with protesters arguing that the city, already struggling with overtourism, was prioritizing the wealthy couple's celebration over residents' needs. However, city officials and wedding organizers maintained that proper protocols were followed.

Celebrity Guest List and Luxury Details

The exclusive guest list included numerous A-list celebrities, movie stars, and television personalities, though specific names have been kept largely confidential. The event was managed by boutique wedding planners Lanza and Baucina, the same Italian duo who orchestrated George and Amal Clooney's Venice wedding.

Veneto Governor Luca Zaia provided estimates suggesting the total cost reached between 40-48 million euros, making it one of the most expensive weddings ever hosted in the historic city. The extravagant budget covered multiple venues, luxury accommodations, security, and entertainment for the multi-day celebration.

Economic Impact on Venice

The wedding brought significant economic benefits to Venice, with local businesses experiencing a boost from the influx of wealthy guests and media attention. However, the cost of hosting such an event in Venice is reportedly three times higher than staging a similar celebration in Rome or Florence, according to local event planners.

Looking Forward

As the newlyweds begin their married life together, the wedding has generated substantial media coverage and social media buzz. Photos from the celebration show the couple appearing happy and relaxed as they waved to cameras from water taxis throughout the city.

The Venice wedding represents another milestone for Bezos, who has been focusing more on philanthropy and space exploration through his company Blue Origin since stepping down as Amazon's CEO. Sánchez, a former broadcast journalist and helicopter pilot, has been actively involved in various charitable endeavors alongside her new husband.

This lavish celebration in one of the world's most romantic cities marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the world's wealthiest couples, whose combined influence spans technology, media, and philanthropy.