Bezos Wedding Venue Shift Amid Protests in Venice

VENICE, Italy — Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has reportedly changed the venue for his wedding celebrations with journalist Lauren Sanchez, originally planned for the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, due to mounting protests from activists in Venice.

Guests began arriving on Tuesday for the lavish three-day event. However, campaigners threatened to block access to the original venue with inflatable crocodiles, prompting the couple to relocate the reception to Arsenale, a more secure historic site that is difficult for protesters to reach.

Local press indicates the change also came amid increased security concerns following tensions between the U.S. and Iran, especially with high-profile guests like Ivanka Trump arriving. The city has heightened security measures, particularly in Jewish neighborhoods.

About 200 guests, including celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Elon Musk, and Leonardo DiCaprio, are expected to attend. Reports suggest that approximately 95 private jets are scheduled to land at Venice’s airport ahead of the events.

While specific details about the ceremony remain undisclosed, it is believed that the couple will exchange vows on Friday at the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica. The primary celebration will reportedly take place on Saturday.

Activists from several groups, including Greenpeace Italy, have expressed their disapproval by organizing a “no Bezos, no war” march, arguing that such a high-profile wedding symbolizes the commodification of Venice and exacerbates the effects of over-tourism.

One protester shared their perspective: “We feel as if we scored a victory,” referring to the successful venue change. They added that the crocodile initiative would make the city look bad, hinting at the larger issue of wealth and privilege in the event’s context.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has defended the wedding, claiming it will economically benefit local businesses. In contrast, local activists, with concerns over the city’s struggles with tourism, argued that such exclusive events prioritize the wealthy over residents’ needs.

As the wedding approaches, local shops and businesses are reportedly preparing to cater to the influx of guests, with Bezos also contributing to charitable efforts in the region leading up to the celebrations.