Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Venice Wedding: A Complete Guide

Wedding Plans and Venue

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are set to exchange vows in what promises to be one of the most extravagant celebrity weddings of 20251 2. The three-day celebration will take place from June 24-28, 2025, in Venice, Italy, with the ceremony expected to occur aboard Bezos’s $500 million superyacht, Koru, anchored in the Venice lagoon3 4. The wedding has an estimated budget of approximately $11 million4.

The couple has reportedly reserved multiple luxury venues throughout Venice, including the entire island of San Giorgio Maggiore, which sits across from St. Mark’s Square5.

The 14th-century Misericordia, a former school transformed into a premium events space, is also expected to serve as one of the wedding venues6.

Venice’s five major luxury hotels along the Grand Canal, including the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, St. Regis Venice, Gritti Palace, Hotel Danieli, and the Grand Aman Hotel, are almost entirely booked for the wedding weekend3.

The Superyacht Koru and Support Vessels

Koru: The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht

Bezos’s primary yacht, Koru, serves as the centerpiece of the wedding celebrations7 8. This magnificent vessel measures 417 feet (127 meters) in length and cost approximately $500 million to build7 9.

Named after the Māori symbol for new beginnings and personal growth, Koru features three towering masts, each approximately 70 meters high, and can accommodate up to 18 guests with a crew of 409.

The yacht’s amenities include nine staterooms, teak decks, three Jacuzzis, a swimming pool, a full-service gym, a spa with massage rooms, a cinema, and multiple outdoor lounges8 9. The interior, designed by Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi, features natural wood tones and warm neutral colors, creating a timeless contemporary style9.

Controversy broke out during the construction of the yacht when the Dutch press reported that Rotterdam’s historic Koningshaven Bridge, also known as De Hef, might have to be temporarily dismantled in order to let the ship through. Instead, the ship was transported from the Oceanco shipyard without its masts so that the then 98-year-old monument would remain intact.

Jeff Bezos’s Yacht: Everything You Ever Wondered About Koru

Support Vessel Abeona

Accompanying Koru is the 246-foot support vessel Abeona, which cost an additional $75 million10. This “shadow yacht” can accommodate up to 65 people, including 45 passengers and 20 crew members, along with medical personnel10.Abeona features a helipad and serves as a floating garage for tenders, smaller boats, and jet skis10. The combined annual operating costs for both vessels reach approximately $30-40 million7 10.

Abeona is named after the Roman goddess of voyages, departures, and safe returns. Jeff Bezos chose this name for his support yacht to symbolize protection and auspicious beginnings for journeys at sea, aligning with the vessel’s purpose of accompanying and supporting his main yacht, Koru, on long and complex voyages. The name reflects a tradition of invoking mythological figures for good fortune and safe travel, especially fitting for a vessel designed to ensure the safety, logistics, and extended capabilities of the primary yacht.

During Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations in Venice, several notable superyachts are expected to be nearby, as Venice is a major hub for luxury yachts, especially during high-profile events. Bezos’s own 127-meter sailing yacht, Koru, will be the centerpiece, accompanied by his support vessel Abeona.

Other Yachts

Other superyachts frequently spotted in Venice and likely to be present given the timing and prestige of the event include:

Al Mirqab (133m): One of the world’s largest yachts, known for its lavish amenities[6].

Built by German yard Peterswerft-Kusch, with a 133-metre LOA, she remains among the top five per cent of the largest yachts in the world. At the time of her launch in 2008, she blazed the trail by having many large-scale amenities, including an internal pool decorated in a pirate theme, balcony terraces that fold down over the sea, a spacious gym and a hairdressing salon.

Kaos (110m): Famous for its innovative design and opulent interiors[6].

Delivered in 2017 by Oceanco, the 110-metre *Kaos* (ex. *Jubilee*) was once the largest superyacht ever built in the Netherlands. The 4,501GT yacht was the brainchild of Barcelona-based designer and rulebreaker Igor Lobanov, who claimed he “was allowed to do anything [he] wanted” and then proceeded to prove it; creating “fake decks” via a clever *troupe l’oil* design to hide her actual height and give the illusion of a much smaller yacht. No expense was spared in her interiors – at the time of her delivery, it was said that *Kaos* had the most marble and stone outfitted within the interior than any other superyacht.

Sea Cloud (109.5m): A historic sailing yacht with a storied past[6].

Originally named *Hussar II,* this Grande Dame of sailing yachts was built for a wealthy stockbroker, Edward F. Hutton, and his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post, who kept the yacht after their divorce and renamed her *Sea Cloud*. She then served as a patrol vessel for the US Coast Guard during World War II.

Ulysses (103m): A secretive Feadship yacht[6].

Details remain scarce about the new highly secretive 103-metre Feadship superyacht *Ulysses,* whichwas delivered to her owner following sea trials in November 2024. Key features include a 15-metre-long tender garage, representing the largest shell door that Feadship has ever built as well as 1,100 square metres of exterior glass. The yacht is also home to four exterior Jacuzzis, a large swimming pool and a helicopter hangar concealed in the foredeck. Dutch studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design masterminded the exterior, with naval architecture by Azure Yacht Design.

Eos (92.9m): A striking three-masted schooner[6].

The 92.9-metre *Eos* was delivered in 2006. The elegant three-masted schooner is one of the very few sailing yachts built by German shipyard Lürssen and until 2017, she retained the title as the world’s largest luxury sailing yacht boasting an interior volume of 1,500GT. She was refitted at Royal Huisman in 2011

Phoenix 2 (90m): Noted for its Art Deco-inspired design and luxury[6].

Built by Lürssen, the luxury yacht features black, gold and red interiors by Winch Design. Among her many highlights is a decadent hammam and a glamorous cinema room, complete with a foyer inspired by Radio City Music Hall – featuring a popcorn machine and rugs adorned with piano keys, a nod to the owner’s love of music. The bar stools are sculpted to resemble Big Apple skyscrapers, while the dining room boasts a striking gold bas-relief structure. Completing the yacht’s bold aesthetic, a 5.7-metre phoenix figurehead on the bow echoes the iconic eagles of the Chrysler Building.

Here Comes the Sun (83m): Known for its impressive size and Beatles-themed name[6].

Delivered in 2016 to an owner who was clearly a Beatles fan and whose previous yachts included *Let It Be* (now *Space-y*) and *Imagine* (since renamed *Ventum Maris),* the yacht underwent an extensive refit by Amels in 2021 and subsequently won Best Rebuilt Yacht at the World Superyacht Awards 2022.

Additionally, new launches like the Pershing GTX70—recently debuted at the Venice Boat Show—may also be seen in the area, reflecting Venice’s status as a showcase for the latest in yacht innovation[2][5].

With the World Superyacht Awards and Venice Boat Show drawing elite vessels, the city’s lagoon will likely host a remarkable fleet of superyachts during the celebration[5][6].

Sources
[1] Grandeur afloat, World Superyacht Awards 2025 in Venice https://www.boatingnz.co.nz/2025/04/grandeur-afloat-world-superyacht-awards-2025-in-venice/
[2] This Slick Sports Yacht Just Made Its Debut At The Venice … https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiadamborsky/2025/06/13/this-slick-new-sports-yacht-just-made-its-global-debut-in-venice/
[3] The best things to do during the Venice Film Festival https://www.boatinternational.com/destinations/mediterranean-yacht-destinations/things-to-do-during-the-venice-film-festival–27541
[4] The World Superyacht Awards 2024 @ Venice – Feadship https://www.feadship.nl/events/the-world-superyacht-awards-2024-venice
[5] Venice Boat Show 2025 | Events | Superyachts.com https://www.superyachts.com/news/events/venice-boat-show-288/
[6] The coolest yachts spotted in Venice last year https://www.boatinternational.com/luxury-yacht-events/world-superyacht-awards/coolest-yachts-spotted-in-venice

A-List Guest List

The wedding will host approximately 200 carefully curated guests, featuring an impressive roster of celebrities, business moguls, and political figures4 11.

Confirmed attendees include:

Entertainment Industry:

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom11 12
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King11 13
Eva Longoria11
Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner11 12
Leonardo DiCaprio14
Jewel11
Barbra Streisand14

Business and Media:

Bill Gates4 14
Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg11 14
Film producer Brian Grazer11 14
Anna Wintour14

Political Figures and High Society:

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner11 12
Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner11 12
Queen Rania of Jordan4

Models and Other Celebrities:

Brooks Nader and Camila Morrone11 14
Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield4

Security Arrangements

Given the high-profile nature of the event and the caliber of guests attending, extensive security measures are being implemented throughout Venice15 16. Reports indicate a significant increase in security personnel, restricted access to certain pedestrian bridges, and temporary docking limitations for gondoliers in areas near wedding venues15.

The city’s exclusive fleet of private water taxis has been tentatively reserved for the event, similar to arrangements made during George Clooney’s 2014 Venice wedding3. Business aviation operators have been advised to expect operational constraints at Venice Marco Polo Airport, with recommendations for quick drop-and-go operations due to limited parking for aircraft16.

Venice has recently implemented a requirement for cruise visitors (and all day-trippers) to purchase a day pass, known as the Venice Access Fee, on designated peak days. This fee applies to anyone visiting the city for the day—including cruise passengers—during specific dates from April to July 2025, typically Fridays, weekends, and holidays. The fee is €5 if paid in advance and €10 if bought last minute, and visitors must register online and show a QR code upon arrival. Overnight guests are exempt but must preregister. The measure is aimed at managing overtourism and preserving the city’s heritage.

Professional security services specializing in VIP wedding protection are likely involved, offering escort services, surveillance, and crowd control measures to ensure the privacy and safety of all attendees17. The security arrangements aim to prevent disruption while maintaining the exclusivity of the three-day celebration.

Venice has recently restricted cruise ships: since 2021, large cruise ships (over 25,000 gross tons) have been banned from entering the historic city center and the Giudecca Canal to protect the environment and address overtourism. Only smaller vessels are allowed to dock directly in Venice; larger ships must use alternative ports outside the lagoon, such as Fusina or Marghera.

Local Opposition and Protests

The “No Space for Bezos” Campaign

Venice locals have launched significant protests against the wedding, viewing it as another example of the city being transformed into a playground for the ultra-wealthy2 5. The “No Space for Bezos” campaign, a play on Bezos’s Blue Origin space venture, has gained considerable momentum among residents2.

Venetians protest against wedding of Amazon's Bezos ...

Protesters have hung banners throughout the city, including a large “No Space for Bezos” banner on St. Mark’s Tower and “No Bezos” signs on the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore2 13 5. Anti-Bezos posters and stickers have appeared on walls throughout the water-veined city18.

Planned Disruptions

Activist Federica Toninelli, a 33-year-old Venetian leading the protests, has announced plans to actively disrupt the wedding celebrations2 5. “Bezos will never reach the Misericordia,” she declared, outlining strategies to “block the canals, line the streets with our bodies, block the canals with inflatables, dinghies, boats”5 6.

The protesters view the wedding as “the symbol of the exploitation of the city by outsiders” and believe Venice has become “merely a commodity” for the wealthy2 5. Their concerns stem from broader issues affecting Venice, including the city’s shrinking population of fewer than 50,000 permanent residents and over 20 million annual tourists15.

Municipal Response

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has defended the wedding, stating he hopes protests won’t succeed in disrupting the celebrations2. “We will have to apologize to Bezos,” Brugnaro told reporters, adding, “I am ashamed of those who behave like this. I hope that Bezos comes anyway”2. The mayor emphasized that “not all Venetians think like these protesters” and assured that the small guest count would prevent any disruption to the city13 18.

Venetians are protesting Jeff Bezos’s wedding through a coordinated campaign called “No Space for Bezos.” Their actions include:

Hanging banners and signs with slogans like “No Space for Bezos” across the city, including on the Rialto Bridge and the bell towers of San Giorgio Maggiore and St. Mark’s1 4.
Plastering anti-Bezos posters and stickers throughout Venice1 4.
Organizing rallies where locals, especially young and underemployed Venetians, gather to voice opposition and plan disruptive actions2 4.
Vowing to physically block the wedding by obstructing canals with inflatables, dinghies, and boats, and by filling narrow streets with protestors to hinder wedding guests’ access to venues2 3 5 6.
Planning to jump into canals and block water taxis, especially near key venues like the Misericordia and San Giorgio Maggiore3 4 6.

Venice locals protest Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' wedding in ...

Reasons for Protest:

Protesters see the wedding as a symbol of Venice being sold off to the ultra-wealthy, exacerbating overtourism and making the city feel like a “commodity” for outsiders rather than a home for residents3 5.
They object to how events like this drive up housing costs, reduce services for locals, and prioritize tourists and luxury events over everyday Venetians5 7.
Bezos is viewed as representing wealth built on exploitation, with activists citing Amazon’s labor practices and his status as a global billionaire5.
The protests are not against the marriage itself, but against the “hubris” and entitlement of billionaires who, they argue, treat Venice as a private playground6.

Protesters aim to disrupt the event and spark a wider debate about the future of Venice and the impact of mass tourism and luxury events on local life3 5.

Backgrounds of the Couple

Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos, 61, ranks as the world’s third-richest person with an estimated net worth of $233.1 billion as of February 202519. He founded Amazon in 1994, transforming it from an online bookstore into a global e-commerce and technology conglomerate20. Bezos also owns aerospace company Blue Origin and purchased The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million19.

Bezos was previously married to MacKenzie Scott for 25 years, from 1993 to 201920. They met at hedge fund D.E. Shaw & Co. in New York, and Scott became Amazon’s first employee20. Their divorce resulted in one of the world’s most expensive settlements, with Scott receiving a 4% stake in Amazon worth $38 billion20 19.

MacKenzie Scott has given away 19 billion since her divorce.

Bezos has four children with Scott—three sons and one daughter—whom he keeps largely out of the public spotlight4 21.

Lauren Sánchez

Lauren Sánchez, 55, is an accomplished journalist, pilot, and entrepreneur22. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she studied broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California22. Her career began as an intern at Los Angeles Channel 13 during college, eventually leading to positions anchoring UPN News 13, where she won a Los Angeles Area Emmy award in 200122.

Sánchez worked as a host on Fox 11’s “Good Day LA” for six years and later became a weekend anchor and special correspondent on “Extra”22. She has also appeared as a news anchor in several films, including “Fight Club,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” and “The Fantastic Four”22.

As a licensed plane and helicopter pilot, Sánchez earned her helicopter license in 2016, following her father’s footsteps as a flight instructor and mechanic22. She has three children from previous relationships: Nikko, 24, with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez, and Evan, 18, and Ella, 17, with her ex-husband Patrick Whitesell23 21 24.

Relationship Timeline

Bezos and Sánchez’s relationship began controversially in 2018 when both were married to other people—Bezos to MacKenzie Scott and Sánchez to Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell25 26. Their extramarital affair reportedly lasted for months before becoming public after Bezos and Scott filed for divorce in January 201925. The relationship was further complicated when the National Enquirer attempted to extort Bezos over explicit photos with Sánchez25.

The couple made their relationship official in July 2019 at Wimbledon, followed by their red carpet debut at an Amazon Prime Video event in Mumbai in January 202025. Bezos proposed to Sánchez in May 2023 during a European vacation aboard his superyacht, presenting her with a 30-carat cushion-cut engagement ring1 27.

Prenuptial Agreement Details

Comprehensive Legal Protection

Bezos has crafted what legal experts describe as one of the most complex prenuptial agreements in celebrity history28 29.California attorney Alphonse Provinziano, who specializes in high-net-worth cases, characterizes the agreement as comparable to “a major business merger” and designed to “survive any legal challenge”28 29.

Key Provisions and Complexity

The prenuptial agreement requires complete financial transparency from Bezos, involving extensive documentation of his complex accounting arrangements and business deals across multiple industries and international holdings28 30. This level of disclosure prevents Sánchez from later claiming hidden assets if the marriage dissolves30.

Legal experts suggest the agreement likely includes five key provisions typical for ultra-wealthy individuals who have experienced high-profile divorces31:

Asset Protection: Clearly defining separate versus marital property
Business Interest Safeguards: Protecting Amazon stock and other business ventures
Confidentiality Clauses: Ensuring privacy of personal and business matters
Spousal Support Limitations: Defining potential alimony arrangements
Estate Planning Coordination: Aligning with existing inheritance structures

Learning from Previous Experience

Bezos’s cautious approach stems directly from his costly divorce from MacKenzie Scott29. When they married in 1993, Amazon was merely a garage-based online bookstore, and no prenuptial agreement existed31 29. The subsequent divorce settlement cost Bezos $38 billion, making it one of the most expensive divorces in history19 29.

The current agreement has required “a lot of work for teams of lawyers” and ensures Sánchez has access to her own legal representation and adequate time to review all terms30. This comprehensive approach aims to create a legally bulletproof document that accounts for Bezos’s vast and complex financial empire while providing fairness to both parties28 30.

The wedding represents not only a celebration of love but also a carefully orchestrated event that balances personal desires with practical considerations of wealth protection, security, and public relations in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Certainly! Here’s a sea story about fearless Abeona, woven in a mythic style that could inspire the naming of a modern support yacht:

The Legend of Abeona: Guardian of Voyages

Long before the world’s oceans were charted, when the horizon was a line between mystery and hope, sailors whispered the name of Abeona—the Roman goddess of departures, voyages, and safe returns. Her spirit was said to ride the salt wind, guiding those who dared the unknown and watching over every vessel that slipped its moorings for distant shores.

The First Voyage

In the age of wooden hulls and billowing sails, a fleet prepared to leave the safety of Rome’s great harbor. Among them was a proud flagship, radiant with golden trim, and beside her, a sturdy companion vessel laden with provisions, healers, and skilled hands. As the ships readied for their journey, the captain of the flagship called upon Abeona, offering olive branches and a whispered prayer: “Abeona, fearless guardian, grant us safe passage and a joyful return.”

That night, as the moon rose over the restless sea, a figure appeared at the prow of the companion ship—a woman cloaked in starlight, her eyes bright with courage. It was Abeona herself, come to guide and protect. With every gust of wind, she steered the fleet away from hidden shoals. When storms threatened, her voice calmed the waves, and when doubt crept into sailors’ hearts, her presence inspired resolve.

The Perilous Crossing

Midway through their voyage, a tempest struck. Thunder shattered the night, and waves towered above the masts. The flagship faltered, her sails torn and rudder broken. But the companion ship, guided by Abeona, pressed on—rushing to the flagship’s aid. Ropes were thrown, supplies transferred, and the wounded cared for. Abeona’s courage became their own, and together, the two ships rode out the storm.

The Triumphant Return

When at last the fleet returned to Rome, battered but unbroken, the people rejoiced. The sailors spoke of Abeona’s fearless guidance and the steadfast support of the companion ship, without which none would have survived. From that day forward, every great voyage began with a tribute to Abeona, goddess of auspicious beginnings and safe returns.

A Modern Echo

Centuries later, as Jeff Bezos prepared his own odyssey across the world’s oceans, he sought a name for the vessel that would accompany and support his flagship, Koru. Remembering the legend of Abeona—the fearless guardian who never left a ship behind—he knew no name could better symbolize protection, support, and the promise of safe passage on every journey.

So “Abeona” sails again, not just as a myth, but as a living legacy: a vessel of courage, care, and unwavering companionship on the boundless sea.

May every voyage with Abeona be blessed with safe returns and new beginnings.