Bezos’ Lavish Venice Wedding Raises Environmental Questions

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are set to tie the knot in Venice, Italy, on June 27, 2025, in a wedding that promises to be as grand as their love story. Engaged since May 2023, the couple is hosting stars like Mick Jagger, Oprah Winfrey, and Katy Perry, but the arrival of 96 private jets for the three-day event is sparking talk—not just about glamour, but about the massive carbon footprint left behind.

Each private jet flight produces around 3.6 tonnes of CO2, according to a 2024 aviation study. With 96 jets flying into Venice, that’s 345,000 kilograms of CO2—equal to what 27,300 cars emit daily, based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s estimate of 12.6 kilograms per car. This staggering figure has raised eyebrows, especially in a city already sensitive to environmental strain. The jets’ emissions for this single event highlight the hidden cost of luxury travel.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have been engaged to be married since May 2023 (Andreas Rentz/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR)

The wedding’s budget is another showstopper. Early rumors of a $600 million price tag were debunked by Bezos, with new reports suggesting $15 to $20 million. That covers everything from a potential performance by a star like Beyoncé to Sanchez’s custom dress, possibly by Dolce & Gabbana, which could cost up to $1 million. The couple is also boosting Venice’s economy by sourcing 80% of their wedding supplies locally, a thoughtful touch for the historic city.

Reportedly the couple are set to say their 'I dos' on June 27 (Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

Not all Venetians are charmed, though. On June 19, protesters displayed a banner on St. Mark’s bell tower, crossing out Bezos’ name in frustration. They argue the wedding, with its flood of private jets and high-profile guests, disrupts a city already overwhelmed by tourism. One local activist told a news outlet that Venice deserves better than being treated as a private event space.

Bezos' Venetian wedding has sparked protests in the city (ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images)

This wedding is a dazzling mix of romance and extravagance, but it’s also a flashpoint for bigger issues. As Bezos and Sanchez celebrate, their event invites us to marvel at the spectacle while reflecting on the environmental and social ripple effects of such a grand affair in a delicate city like Venice.

 

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