It's touted to be the 'wedding of the century'. Here's what we know so far about Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's big day
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez have reportedly been dating since 2019, got engaged in May 2023 and are now preparing for what is being touted as the "wedding of the century".
As the second richest person in the world marries his millionaire wife, it's no wonder their wedding is expected to be an extravaganza.
After months of speculation, the high-flying couple are saying "I do" this week. It hasn't been without drama; after days of protest from locals in Venice, the couple's wedding planners have now weighed in to defend them.
Here's everything we know so far about the wedding.
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Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos are expected to tie the knot in an Italian summer wedding. Getty
When will Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding be?
Bezos and Sánchez will enjoy an Italian Summer wedding.
City officials confirmed the three-day celebrations would take place between June 24 and 26, according to a CNN report.
Reports now suggest the wedding date is June 27.
Where will the wedding be?
Venice, Italy, is set to be the stage for the wedding extravaganza.
It has been reported the celebrations will take place on Bezos' $500 million superyacht, Koru, which will be anchored in the Venetian Lagoon.
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The wedding will reportedly take place in Venice, Italy. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Other reports, however, say the ritzy ship is only partly involved in the wedding celebrations.
It was also initially reported by some news outlets that the couple would tie the knot in a $600 million ceremony in Aspen, USA, last December, which was not the case.
"This whole thing is completely false - none of this is happening," Bezos said of the Aspen rumours at the time.
Who will be at the VIP event?
US President Donald Trump is reportedly on the guest list. Getty
Plenty of VIP guests are expected to descend on the Italian city for the much-anticipated wedding.
A star-studded guest list, around 200 strong, has been assembled, according to the Associated Press.
Expected guests reportedly include US President Donald Trump, Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and TV host Oprah Winfrey.
Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Barbra Streisand and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan are also reportedly on the guest list, as is Orlando Bloom, who is expected to attend without fiancee Katy Perry who is currently travelling the world with her Lifetimes tour.
Several luxury accommodation venues throughout the city appear to be preparing for the big weekend with five of the city's luxury hotels almost completely booked out, CNN reports.
Concerns for Venice
The city of Venice has made a statement that the couple's wedding will cause "no abnormal disruption". AP
After the location of Bezos and Sánchez' wedding was revealed, concerns were raised about the impact the influx of VIP guests would have on the slowly sinking city and possible disruptions for citizens and tourists.
But city officials aren't concerned.
"We are mutually working and supporting the organizers, to ensure that the event will be absolutely respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city," Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said in a statement, per Page Six.
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Brugnaro added that it "is their utmost priority to make sure the city functions as normal, for all, with no abnormal disruption to anyone."
"Venice is used to being the stage for events and shows every week, without significant impacts," Brugnaro later shared.
There have, however, been protests in the city, aimed at Bezos and the wedding.
Locals in Venice have protested against the wedding. Getty
Signs reading "No Space For Bezos" and "Veniceland: A playground fit for an oligarch" have recently been displayed in the popular tourist destination.
The couple's wedding planners, Lanza & Baucina Limited, have now weighed in to defend them.
"From the outset, instructions from our client and our own guiding principles were abundantly clear: the minimising of any disruption to the city, the respect for its residents and institutions and the overwhelming employment of locals in the crafting of the events," they said in a statement provided to Page Six.
The couple's wedding planners, Lanza & Baucina Limited, have defended them amid protests over the event. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Pri
What will Lauren Sánchez's wedding dress be like?
Bezos and Sánchez have kept their wedding preparations relatively under wraps, but the event is expected to be dripping in opulence.
Page Six recently reported the couple were spotted at a Dolce & Gabbana store in Milan over the weekend, leaving many to assume the couple will wear the luxe Italian brand for their big day.
The engagement
The couple may be wearing Dolce & Gabbana for their big day. WireImage
The couple have shared a relatively long engagement, having become engaged almost two years ago.
It happened during a trip to Cannes, France, with Sánchez spotted wearing a 20-carat cushion-cut diamond ring estimated to be worth $US2.5 million ($3.8 million).
The couple later celebrated their engagement with two engagement parties.
The first was held on Bezos' yacht Koru. The second was hosted by Bary Diller and Diane von Furstenberg, the couple's closest friends, according to Vogue.
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