Locals are protesting the upcoming nuptials of the American billionaire.
Tech billionaire Jeff Bezos is set to marry journalist Lauren Sanchez next week in Venice. Several high-profile celebrities and public figures are expected to attend the multi-million-dollar nuptials in the historic city. But rather than rolling out the red carpet, some locals are hanging public banners that read “No Space for Bezos” to express their anger and frustration over the event.
While details of the wedding remain tightly guarded, media reports suggest the budget is around $10 million. Bezos is bringing his $500 million superyacht, Koru, along with other luxury vessels, and an estimated 200 guests will descend on the city. The iconic island of San Giorgio Maggiore, across from St. Mark’s Square, is rumored to be one of the celebration sites. Last week, a large “No Bezos” banner was unfurled on the island’s bell tower. Other posters with similar messages have appeared throughout the city, and Friday’s protests drew a crowd of about 300.
Another rumored venue is Misericordia, a historic building restored for private events. Organizers of the protest have vowed to block the festivities. “We will block the canals, line the streets with our bodies, block the canals with inflatables, dinghies, boats,” protest organizer Federica Toninello said to a crowd.
Venice was also the site of the lavish 2014 wedding of actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. That celebration drew a host of A-listers and dignitaries, but sparked no comparable backlash. Bezos may be receiving additional criticism due to his association with former U.S. President Donald Trump and the poor public perception of his companies, Amazon and Blue Origin.
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Not everyone is upset, however. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro dismissed concerns, noting that the city has handled large-scale events before, including the G7 summit. A wedding with 200 guests, he said, would not be disruptive. His statement read: “The organization has categorically not booked large amounts of gondolas or excessive numbers of water taxis and it is their utmost priority to make sure the city functions as normal, for all, with no abnormal disruption to anyone.” He added that city officials are working with organizers to ensure the fragility of Venice is respected, and “anyone who loves the city is welcome to it.”
Brugnaro also told the Associated Press that Venice is proud to host the wedding, which he believes will once again place the city on the global stage. “I don’t know if I will have time, or if he will, to meet and shake hands, but it’s an honor that they chose Venice,” he said.
He expressed hope that the protests wouldn’t discourage Bezos and Sanchez from proceeding with their plans.
It was also reported that the couple sourced 80% of their wedding provisions from local vendors to support the economy.
Venice has long struggled with the impacts of mass tourism. The city was featured again on Fodor’s No List for 2025 (following appearances in 2018, 2023, and 2024) because of its ongoing issues with overtourism. Rising costs and touristification have driven many residents away; today, only 49,000 locals live in the city. A daytripper fee introduced in 2024 was increased this year, but millions of tourists continue to visit undeterred.
Despite the economic benefits that the wedding may bring, many locals express frustration over temporary tourism-dependent work and the ongoing transformation of Venice into a playground for the wealthy—while long-term residents continue to be overlooked.