Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are putting their money where their hearts are, right into the canals of Venice. The billionaire Amazon founder and his soon-to-be wife are in Italy this week, preparing to say "I do" in the City of Water, but they're doing more than just throwing a lavish party.
According to a source who spoke with Page Six, the couple quietly made donations to several local charities back in April as part of their wedding planning. And they're roping their A-list guest list — think Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Barbra Streisand, and Ivanka Trump — into the effort as well.
In lieu of wedding gifts, Bezos and Sánchez are making donations in their guests' names to ensure "Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come," a source revealed. Invitations went out in May, letting guests know that their presence would help support the historic city.
3 Days of Festivities and Local Flavor
The wedding weekend will unfold over three days, with speculation about where the festivities will take place. Possible hot spots include Bezos' jaw-dropping $500 million superyacht Koru, the scenic island of San Giorgio, and the grand Scuola Grande della Misericordia, an impressive historic venue.
And it's not just about glitz and glamour. According to the Associated Press, the couple is making a point of sourcing about 80% of their wedding goods from Venetian vendors. That includes treats from Rosa Salva—the city's oldest pastry shop—and artisanal glass from Murano studio Laguna B.
As a special thank-you, guests are also expected to receive a keepsake from Laguna B: colorful "goti de fornasa" glasses, which are a charming nod to Venice's centuries-old glassblowing tradition.
A City Divided
But while Bezos and Sánchez are aiming to give back, not everyone in Venice is rolling out the red carpet. Local protesters under the banner "No space for Bezos" are reportedly planning to block canals and streets to disrupt the festivities. Broader concerns about over-tourism and gentrification fuel the demonstrations. These issues have long plagued Venice, where many residents feel the city is becoming a luxury playground for the global elite.
"We are not protesting the wedding per se, but a vision of Venice … as a city that people come and consume," activist Marta Sottoriva told EuroNews.
Still, others in Venice, including the city's mayor, welcome the event. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has publicly praised the upcoming nuptials, saying they'll provide local businesses a "million-dollar" economic boost.
A Modern Fairytale with Real-World Impact
There's no question that this is one of the most high-profile weddings of the year. But it also reflects the complicated relationship between global wealth, tourism, and beloved cultural landmarks.
For Bezos and Sánchez, the hope seems to be that by giving back to the community and highlighting Venetian craftsmanship, their big day will leave more than just a glittering wake, perhaps even helping to preserve the city's magic for generations to come.
Whether that goodwill will be enough to quiet the critics remains to be seen. But, as the celebrations kick off, all eyes will be on Venice this week.