Planners defend Jeff Bezos, world’s third-richest man, and Lauren Sánchez as their $20M Venice wedding sparks backlash

Lanza & Baucina Limited, the planners behind the event — who also organized American actor George Clooney and wife Amal’s 2014 wedding on the island — stated in a statement that Bezos and Sánchez specifically instructed them to minimize any disruption during the celebration, Page Six reported.

"From the outset, instructions from our client and our own guiding principles were abundantly clear: the minimising of any disruption to the city, the respect for its residents and institutions and the overwhelming employment of locals in the crafting of the events," the planners said.

Initially, reports indicated the couple would marry over a three-day period from June 24 to 26 on the private island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. However, a source told The Daily Mail on June 21 that the wedding would officially take place on June 27.

Bezos, the world’s third-richest person with a net worth of $226.8 billion, is reportedly sparing no expense for the event. Wedding planners Kunal Madan and Zoe Buke told The Daily Mail that the celebration could cost between $15 million and $20 million. The Guardian referred to the wedding as the most high-profile event in Venice since Clooney’s wedding.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and fiancee Lauren Sanchez. Photo from Instagram

Approximately 80% of the wedding supplies are being sourced from historic local Venetian vendors, including Rosa Salva, Venice’s oldest pastry shop, and Laguna B, a Murano-based glass studio known for its handblown glass pieces, according to the Associated Press.

The couple has also reportedly reserved five luxury hotels and all of Venice’s water taxis for the event. Around 200 guests, including A-list celebrities, politicians, and business figures such as Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump, are expected to attend.

However, local residents have expressed concerns about the impact of the wedding. With Venice entering its peak tourist season, there are fears of heightened security measures, street closures, and an increased police presence. Protests have already erupted, with activists from the "No space for Bezos" movement plastering posters across the city with slogans like "Veniceland: A playground fit for an oligarch." Protesters are also planning to block canals and streets to disrupt the wedding, citing issues such as over-tourism and anti-capitalism.

"It’s going to be a great big nuisance," Francesca, a local tour guide, told The Guardian. "We are exasperated by a whole series of problems related to overtourism and this is the umpteenth thing foisted on the city that we have to suffer."

Meanwhile, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and other local officials have assured the public that the wedding will have a significant economic impact, estimating it could bring millions of dollars to the city. He emphasized that the event will be conducted in a way that is "respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city," assuring locals it will not disrupt daily life.