Bezos wedding party moved to quieter venue in Venice amid security concerns

The lavish wedding celebrations of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sánchez have been relocated to a more secure and isolated location in Venice following security concerns and mounting local protests.

Initially scheduled to be held at the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia in the bustling Cannaregio district, the event has now been moved to the Arsenale — a 14th-century naval compound in the Castello district known for its restricted access and fortified layout.

According to sources close to the event organisers, the decision was made after consultations with local authorities who raised concerns about safety and the potential for public disruptions, reports said. The Arsenale’s location, surrounded by water and accessible via a limited number of bridges, provides a more easily controlled environment for the high-profile guest list.

The three-day celebration, which began on June 24, is expected to host between 200 and 250 guests, including celebrities, media personalities, and political figures. Among those reportedly invited are Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and former U.S. presidential advisor Jared Kushner.

While the wedding is expected to bring a substantial economic boost to the city — with some estimates placing the impact at over €40 million — it has also drawn criticism from local activists and residents. Protest groups, including members of Venice’s "No Grandi Navi" (No Big Ships) movement, have accused the couple of turning the historic city into a playground for the super-rich. Demonstrators had threatened to stage boat blockades and other actions to disrupt the proceedings.

The wedding ceremony is believed to be taking place at the iconic San Giorgio Maggiore church, with post-wedding events planned across several exclusive venues, including the Aman Venice Hotel. Security has been visibly heightened throughout the city, with bridges leading to event areas being monitored and, in some cases, closed to the public.

Despite the controversy, city officials have defended the event, saying it showcases Venice’s global appeal as a luxury destination and supports local businesses.

This is the second high-profile wedding to draw global attention to Venice in recent years, following George and Amal Clooney’s nuptials in 2014.

Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, announced their engagement in 2023. The billionaire founder of Amazon and Blue Origin has been a regular presence in Italy in recent summers, often seen aboard his 417-foot superyacht, Koru, which is anchored in the Venetian Lagoon for the occasion.