The anticipation surrounding Jeff Bezos’ three-day wedding extravaganza in Venice is reaching fever pitch. The billionaire Amazon founder is set to marry former television journalist Lauren Sánchez in the City of Canals, promising to bring millions of euros to local businesses. With Venice’s iconic bridges, grand palazzos, and winding waterways as the backdrop, it’s bound to be a spectacular affair.
If you’re dreaming of your own Venetian wedding or simply want to celebrate in true luxury, here’s how to navigate the city in style—without the billionaire budget.
The Grand Wedding of the Year
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro accidentally let slip that Bezos’ wedding would be a financial windfall for the city, saying it would generate millions in revenue. With a star-studded guest list that reportedly includes Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria, Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, and Oprah Winfrey, the event will be the biggest Venetian celebrity wedding since George Clooney’s nuptials a decade ago.
To ensure exclusivity, Bezos has reportedly reserved Venice’s entire fleet of water taxis, leaving visitors scrambling for alternative transport. Top hotels like the Gritti Palace, the Danieli, and the Belmond Hotel Cipriani are fully booked, with suites reaching over €9,000 per night.
Make Your Own Venetian Wedding Dreams Come True
For those looking to tie the knot in Venice, the magic of the city isn’t limited to billionaires. There are plenty of ways to infuse romance, elegance, and tradition into your special day.
Gondola Rides & Riviera Boats: The Ultimate Wedding Entrance
Bezos may arrive on his $500 million yacht, Koru, but you can still make a grand entrance. Opt for a gondola ride down the Grand Canal, letting the sound of lapping waves and the soft hum of a gondolier’s song set the mood. For a more modern touch, hire a private Riva boat, the sleek, polished wooden vessels that exude Italian luxury.
For a wedding ceremony with dramatic effect, consider exchanging vows while gliding through the lagoon at sunset, with the silhouette of St. Mark’s Basilica behind you.
Walk Through Venice in Style: Comfort is Key
Venice’s maze of cobbled streets and bridges requires practical footwear. Leave the stilettos at home unless you have a private water taxi on standby. Opt for chic yet comfortable shoes like handcrafted Italian leather sandals or designer loafers. Your feet will thank you as you navigate the narrow alleyways, cross countless bridges, and explore secret courtyards.
For the perfect pre-wedding shopping spree, stroll along the Mercerie or Calle Larga XXII Marzo, where high-end boutiques and ateliers offer exquisite fabrics and accessories.
Murano Glass: A Timeless Wedding Souvenir
No visit to Venice is complete without a piece of Murano glass. Whether you’re the bride, a guest, or simply indulging in the city’s splendor, a handcrafted Murano glass necklace adds a touch of Venetian elegance to your look. Visit Murano Island for authentic designs and select a piece as a keepsake for your wedding celebrations. Bridesmaids’ gifts? A set of Murano glass earrings or bracelets will make for unique, meaningful mementos.
Where to Say “I Do” Like a Billionaire
While Bezos is rumored to be considering the Palazzo Ducale, the historic Arsenal, or the Fondazione Cini for his ceremony, Venice offers a host of breathtaking wedding venues for all budgets:
If you want to escape Venice, head to Hotel Excelsior on the island of Lido.
- Palazzo Cavalli: A dream location overlooking the Grand Canal where many couples exchange vows.
- San Giorgio Maggiore: A serene island setting with spectacular Venetian architecture.
- Ca’ Sagredo Hotel: A 15th-century palace with frescoed ceilings and marble staircases.
- Belmond Hotel Cipriani: For those seeking the ultimate in luxury with stunning lagoon views.
Eat, Drink, and Celebrate Like a Venetian
While Bezos’ guests will be dining at exclusive, private locations, you can indulge in Venetian flavors at some of the city’s finest spots:
- Osteria alle Testiere: A tiny yet exquisite seafood restaurant.
- Quadri: A Michelin-starred eatery with Grand Canal views.
- Caffè Florian: The oldest coffee house in Venice, perfect for post-wedding espresso and pastries.
Your Venetian Wedding Awaits
Whether you’re planning an opulent ceremony or a romantic getaway, Venice provides the ultimate backdrop. Take inspiration from Bezos’ wedding, but make it your own. Ride a gondola, wear comfortable yet stylish shoes, and don’t forget to leave with a Murano glass treasure. After all, a wedding in Venice—even without a billionaire’s budget—is a timeless affair to remember.
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