A relationship that has captivated the nation from the very start is soon set to reach the next level.
Billionaire Amazon CEO and founder Jeff Bezos, 61, is set to wed former journalist Lauren Sanchez, 55, in just a few days.
The couple, who have been together for over six years now, have been engaged since May 2023 and plan to finally wed.
While the pair have been pretty public about much of their relationship, many details about their upcoming nuptials seems to be the opposite.
Wedding planners have booked several different locations and plan to make a decision based on weather and potential protests that may occur – thus leaving many details a secret.
Though the couple has tried to keep information about the wedding lowkey, there are a few things about the event that have become public knowledge.
After all, it’s difficult to hide the very public displays of wealth that a billionaire might take part in.
From the mysterious wedding date to who will be in attendance to this wedding-of-the-century, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Bezos-Sanchez wedding.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are set to be married in late June, with many sources guessing June 27 as the official date
When is Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding?
As with everything else about this wedding, there has been a lot of mystery surrounding when exactly the couple would tie the knot.
There were consistent reports that it would be in late July, but the exact date was largely kept from the public.
It was previously thought that the wedding would take place sometime between June 24 and June 29.
But sources have reported that the pair have solidified June 27 as the wedding date with smaller celebrations taking place both before and after.
Where is it taking place?
The wedding will happen in Venice, Italy – potentially off of one of the city’s most prestigious islands
It’s no secret that Bezos and Sanchez are set to be married in Venice, Italy – but there has been less concrete information about the exact venue of the wedding.
The couple has reportedly rented out the entirety of San Giorgio – a prestigious island in Venice – for their guests for six days.
It was initially thought that Bezos’ multimillion dollar superyacht Koru (that he’s been photographed spanking Sanchez on) would play a part in the festivities – but it is now believed that this will instead be moored near Croatia with the happy couple taking a helicopter to Venice.
Who is on the guest list?
There is no official guest list but names like Kim Kardashian, Orlando Bloom, and Bill Gates can be expected
While it’s been rumored that there will be slightly fewer than 200 guests at the wedding, no official guest list has been released.
But there are a few celebs you should expect to see at the luxurious Venice wedding.
In a Bachelorette trip in May, Sanchez included Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Eva Longoria in the festivities – and can likely expect the group to be present during the nuptials.
Katy Perry was also included at the Bachelorette, but due to alleged arguments between her and husband Orlando Bloom, it’s not confirmed if any of the couple will be in attendance.
Based on the high-profile duo’s documented friendships over the years, fans might also see guests including Jessica Alba, Elsa Marie Collins, Bill Gates, and perhaps even members of the Trump family.
How much did the wedding cost?
It’s rumored that the entirety of the lavish wedding is costing $10 million
For someone who is quite literally a billionaire, it’s hard to imagine what the wedding budget looks like.
This is especially true considering that Sanchez’s engagement ring alone reportedly cost $2.5 million.
BRIDES reported that the couple was spending about $10 million on the wedding – about $50,000 per guest, though many others are guessing that the wedding will range anywhere from $7 million to $50 million.
And it seems like the couple is circulating most of this money in Venice, as it was reported that 80 percent of the wedding provisions would come from local vendors.
Alongside food, drink, and renting out an island, this money is likely to go toward ‘entertainment’ for the guests – although the specifics haven’t been revealed.
But each guest will be leaving with their own goodie bags – including special custom glassware by designer Laguna B.
There were also reports that water taxis and gondolas had been put on hold for the wedding, and that all nine of the city’s yacht ports were booked.
Why are people protesting?
Many locals in Venice are protesting the wedding, urging Bezos not to get married there
The protestors are demanding billionaire Bezos pay more money in taxes
Despite the buzz around the wedding, not everyone is excited for the Bezos-Sanchez event.
In fact, there have been several demonstrations in Venice where locals are protesting Bezos’ decision to have his wedding in their city.
Protestors holding signs saying ‘No Space for Bezos’ came out to show their disapproval of Bezos’ space tourism company.
Many also called for the billionaire to pay more money in taxes.
Others angrily pointed out Bezos’ management – claiming that the billionaire pays his Amazon staff ‘poverty wages’ while being able to rent out an island for his own personal life.
These protests are so prevalent that Bezos reportedly had to change his security plans for the wedding due to safety concerns.
