The countdown is on for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding. We are just days away before the famous couple ties the knot in a lavish 3 day celebration in Venice. The Italian city will serve as the exclusive backdrop for what’s expected to be one of the most talked-about social events of the year.
Key festivities will take place at iconic locations such as San Giorgio Maggiore, the island directly across from St. Mark’s, separated by the Grand Canal, home to the majestic basilica of the same name and a vast labyrinthine garden inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’ famed short story The Garden of Forking Paths.
Sanchez and Bezos spotted arriving in Venice ahead of their wedding
San Giorgio Maggiore is also home to the Giorgio Cini Foundation, a premier center for art, music, and cultural research, which will host some of the couple’s high-profile wedding events.
Gondoliers sail on the Grand Canal in Venice lagoon on June 25, 2026. Celebrities in superyachts sail into Venice this week for the three-day wedding party of Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez
The ultimate guest experience
To welcome their guests, Bezos and Sánchez enlisted the help of Koru, the couple’s 417-foot superyacht, one of the largest and most luxurious sailing vessels ever built, with an estimated value of $500 million.
The guest list is a star-studded affair, with confirmed names including Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Eva Longoria, Barry Diller, and Diane von Fürstenberg.
Despite the grandeur, the couple is keeping tradition close. Approximately 80% of the wedding’s goods and services have been sourced from local Venetian artisans and vendors. Notables include Rosa Salva (rosasalva.it), the city’s oldest patisserie, and Laguna B (lagunab.com), a design studio specializing in refined Murano glass.
Naturally, Bezos and Sánchez haven’t skimped on accommodations. They’ve secured five of Venice’s most exclusive hotels, veritable temples of luxury and hospitality, to house their guests throughout the celebration. From centuries-old palazzos on the Grand Canal to lush island hideaways, each property offers a unique blend of Venetian grandeur and modern indulgence.
Ernest Hemingway once called the Gritti “the best hotel in a city full of marvelous hotels,” and it’s easy to see why. The hotel was built in 1525 as the private residence of Doge Andrea Gritti and has been a symbol of Venetian sophistication since it opened to guests in 1895.
Painstakingly restored, the Gritti Palace still exudes aristocratic elegance with its Murano glass chandeliers and antique furnishings. Its luxury suites overlook the Grand Canal and Santa Maria della Salute and have hosted legends like Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, and Grace Kelly. The iconic canal-front terrace remains one of the city’s most coveted spots (lartisien.com).
Steps from the famed Piazza San Marco, the legendary Hotel Danieli is a breathtaking example of Venetian Gothic architecture. A historical haven for nobles and artists alike, the hotel dazzles with opulent spaces like the Salone Orientale, draped in tapestries and antique furniture.
Some suites feature private balconies with panoramic views of the Grand Canal. Guests can also indulge in Italian fine dining at Terrazza Danieli, set in an atmosphere of timeless romance. Tradition, elegance, and cinematic flair converge here, ideal for a guest list as glamorous as Bezos’s. (hoteldanieli.com)
A favorite for star-studded nuptials, including George and Amal Clooney’s, the Aman Venice offers serene luxury within the lavish Palazzo Papadopoli. With just 24 exclusive suites, it’s a discreet sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Original 16th-century frescoes and ornate stuccoes meet minimalist modern design in its interiors. The private terrace offers sweeping views of the Grand Canal, while Arva, the hotel’s restaurant led by three-Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler, celebrates Italy’s rich culinary heritage. (aman.com)
Set on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Belmond Hotel Cipriani is accessible only by private boat, offering rare privacy.
Known for its lush gardens and the only Olympic-size saltwater pool in Venice, the Cipriani is a favorite escape for those wanting tranquility without straying from the city’s pulse. Rooms start at over $1,600 per night, a worthy splurge for refined service and unforgettable lagoon views. (belmond.com)
Another magnet for celebrities, Zendaya was spotted here during the Venice Biennale, The St. Regis Venice masterfully combines Venetian classicism with bold contemporary art. Overlooking the Grand Canal and the Santa Maria della Salute basilica, the hotel occupies a cluster of restored palaces with interiors by London’s Sagrada Studio. Its 130 rooms and 39 suites feature marble, Murano glass, and luxe textiles, many with private terraces.
The highlight? Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace, where Venetian cuisine is reimagined with flair, and each evening begins with a champagne sabrage ritual. Stays here start at around $1,300 per night for an experience of quiet, polished sophistication. (marriott.com)