How Jeff Bezos' Wedding Influenced Venice's Tourism Scene

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Venice, Italy, this week will affect tourists' travel in the floating city. During the three-day wedding that runs until June 28, 2025, the city will be heavily congested and overly commercial, causing discomfort for tourists.

Last week, activists held protests, prompting the main celebration of this wedding to be moved from the city center to Arsenale. The BBC reported that local officials said the last-minute change was driven by increased pressure from activists opposing the billionaire's grand celebration.

Party Venue Moved

The newly reported location, situated in the eastern Castello district of the city, is said to be more secluded, surrounded by water, and only accessible by land via a drawbridge.

Three luxury hotels have been officially booked, and several water taxis have been provided for the wedding. Local media personnel flooded the event with paparazzi, and mega-yachts crowded the canals.

As reported by USA Today, tourists reported unexpected closures, diverted traffic, and an atmosphere filled with paparazzi.

The wedding celebration was initially planned to take place at some of the city's most central locations. On Wednesday, Venice City Hall mandated closures around the medieval Madonna dell'Orto church area for a guest meeting in an open space on Thursday night. Officials said the Venice Police Headquarters was handling the city's security operation for the wedding.

However, some residents and vendors welcomed the influx of these individuals as 80 percent of the wedding's supplies are sourced from Venetian craftsmen. Meanwhile, others condemned it as a multimillion-dollar 'city rental' that sacrifices the daily lives of the local community and tourists.

Aman Venice Hotel Guests Asked to Relocate

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez arrived in Venice on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. They have taken over the exclusive Aman Venice Hotel. According to Hola, this has caused a chain reaction for tourists who had previously booked rooms.

The couple reportedly rented the entire five-star property, causing last-minute rescheduling for tourists who had made prior reservations.

"Guests who had previously booked [at] the hotel for Wednesday night a long time in advance were booted once Bezos rented the entire space a few months ago," a source told Page Six.

Aman Venice bore the relocation costs, even providing compensation for one night and offering room upgrades. However, not everyone was pleased. A source said some complained as they had to pack up, take the transportation provided by Aman, and unpack.

Impact of Jeff Bezos' Wedding on Tourism

The Amazon founder's wedding, with its numerous VIP guests, has impacted Venice's tourism. Here are the things tourists should be aware of in Venice.

1. Possible delays at water taxi terminals and airport transfers. Tourists should be prepared to be patient.
2. Tighter security and potential temporary restrictions in areas near the event venue and Marco Polo Airport.
3. Be prepared for crowds of onlookers, press, and paparazzi chasing glimpses of VIP guests.
4. The estimated $56 million wedding boosts artisanal engagement, so tourists should take advantage of it.

Editor's Choice: Protests Erupt in Venice Against Jeff Bezos' Wedding Amid Overtourism Fears

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