As tech billionaire Jeff Bezos prepares to tie the knot with journalist Lauren Sanchez in Venice next week, the Italian city known for its canals and rich cultural heritage is experiencing a wave of local backlash.
From banners reading “No Space for Bezos” to plans for physically blocking canals, residents are voicing their growing frustration over what they see as yet another symbol of Venice becoming a backdrop for the ultra-rich, not a home for everyday people.
According to Fodor’s Travel, the ultra-private ceremony is expected to draw A-list guests and cost upwards of $10 million. Bezos is reportedly bringing his $500 million yacht, Koru, along with a fleet of luxury vessels for the big day. About 200 guests are expected, with celebrations rumored to take place at iconic sites like San Giorgio Maggiore and the Misericordia. While the couple has kept details under wraps, that hasn’t stopped protests from flaring.
Protestors hung a giant “No Bezos” banner on the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore last week, while others have plastered similar posters throughout the city. On Friday, around 300 locals gathered to protest the event. “We will block the canals, line the streets with our bodies, block the canals with inflatables, dinghies, boats,” said protest organizer Federica Toninello.
Venice previously hosted the star-studded 2014 wedding of actor George Clooney and human rights attorney Amal Clooney, an extravagant affair that welcomed celebrities and dignitaries without sparking the kind of controversy the city is currently seeing. Jeff Bezos is facing sharper criticism—possibly due to his past ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and widespread public skepticism toward his companies, Amazon and Blue Origin.
Still, not all Venetians are opposed. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro downplayed the concerns, pointing out that the city is no stranger to major events like the G7 summit. He argued that a private wedding with 200 guests isn’t likely to cause significant disruption.
In a statement, Brugnaro said, “The organization has categorically not booked large amounts of gondolas or excessive numbers of water taxis, and it is their utmost priority to make sure the city functions as normal, for all, with no abnormal disruption to anyone.”
He also noted that city officials are coordinating with event organizers to protect Venice’s delicate environment, emphasizing that “anyone who loves the city is welcome to it,” adding that the event could provide positive exposure on the global stage.
“It’s an honor that they chose Venice,” he told the Associated Press. “I don’t know if I will have time, or if he will, to meet and shake hands, but it’s an honor.”
Although the wedding may bring short-term economic benefits—with 80 percent of the wedding supplies reportedly sourced from local vendors—many residents see it as another reminder of Venice’s identity crisis.
Venice has grappled with the effects of mass tourism for years. Soaring costs and the growing prevalence of the tourism industry have pushed many locals out, leaving the city with just 49,000 permanent residents. Although a day-visitor fee was introduced in 2024 and raised this year, it has done little to slow the steady stream of tourists.
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