The world’s richest love story is coming to the world’s most romantic city — and you can be there to witness it.
From June 24–26, 2025, all eyes will turn to Venice, Italy as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sánchez celebrate what’s already being called the wedding of the century. The couple’s three-day celebration will take place aboard Bezos’ spectacular $500-million superyacht Koru, anchored in the Venice lagoon — creating a mix of Hollywood glamour, Venetian grandeur, and billionaire-level secrecy.
For travelers planning to visit Venice in June, this event presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the city during one of its most high-profile moments. From exclusive lagoon views to celebrity-filled restaurants, this is your insider guide to enjoying Venice like a VIP during the Bezos wedding weekend — even if your invitation got “lost in the mail.”
💍 Why Jeff Bezos Chose Venice for His Wedding
Bezos could have chosen any corner of the globe for his nuptials. So why Venice? The answer lies in a perfect blend of romance, prestige, and privacy — three things this city has mastered for over 1,000 years.
Unmatched Romance
Venice practically invented romance. Between the gondolas gliding under moonlit bridges, the whispers along quiet canals, and candlelit palazzos that seem to float on water, it’s the only city where love feels part of the architecture. No surprise Bezos and Sánchez fell under its spell — just like Casanova, Byron, and countless dreamers before them.
Privacy with Grandeur
The Venetian Lagoon offers natural seclusion — perfect for a celebrity wedding shielded from paparazzi yet surrounded by breathtaking beauty. Imagine a fleet of sleek water taxis ferrying A-list guests across mirror-still waters to a yacht aglow with golden lights. Pure cinematic magic.
Cultural Prestige
For centuries, Venice has hosted royalty, popes, and artists — from Titian to Hemingway. Bezos’ wedding is simply the latest chapter in a 1,600-year tradition of grandeur. Choosing Venice says: “We wanted elegance, history, and something the world will never forget.”
Logistical Luxury
Despite its car-free nature, Venice is remarkably equipped for elite events. Between five-star hotels, private boats, and world-class security, the city knows how to host power players — and it’s ready for this one.
📅 The Wedding Event: What We Know So Far
- Dates: June 24–26, 2025 (Tuesday–Thursday)
- Main Venue: Superyacht Koru, anchored in the Venice Lagoon
- Guests: Around 200 VIPs — tech moguls, Hollywood icons, and political figures
- Possible Ceremony: Rumored private theater or historic palazzo
While official details remain under wraps, insiders expect a mix of private yacht parties, art-filled receptions, and lavish dinners across the lagoon’s most exclusive venues.
🚨 How the Wedding Will Impact Venice
Whenever a billionaire throws a wedding, the ripples are felt far beyond the guest list. Here’s what American travelers can expect during the week of June 24:
- Heightened security across St. Mark’s, the Grand Canal, and Giudecca.
- Higher hotel and dining prices (book early — some venues may be partially reserved for private events).
- Media buzz — expect drone restrictions, paparazzi boats, and TV crews lining the waterfront.
- Celebrity sightings in San Marco, Dorsoduro, and near St. Mark’s Basilica.
But don’t let that deter you — Venice thrives under the spotlight. Think of it as a city-wide movie set, with you as part of the scene.
👀 Best Places to Watch the Magic Happen
Prime Lagoon Viewing Spots
- Riva degli Schiavoni: The city’s main promenade near Hotel Danieli. Great for distant lagoon views — and possibly a glimpse of Koru anchored offshore.
- San Giorgio Maggiore: Hop a vaporetto to this island church for elevated perspectives and photo-perfect sunsets.
- Ponte dell’Accademia: Iconic bridge offering panoramic canal and lagoon views — a must for photographers.
- Fondamenta delle Zattere: Southern Venice’s waterfront promenade with views toward Giudecca and the open lagoon.
Best Viewing Times
- 7–9 AM: Magical light, calm waters, and fewer crowds.
- 6–8 PM: Golden hour reflections — perfect for romantic shots.
- After dark: Superyacht illuminations against Venice’s skyline — pure spectacle.
Pro tip: Bring binoculars or a zoom lens — and a prosecco spritz. Everything looks better through bubbles.
💸 How to Experience “Bezos Week” — Your Way
Luxury, Bezos-Style
- Private gondola rides at sunset — from $150 per couple.
- Private lagoon cruises — $80–150 per person, champagne optional but recommended.
- Fine dining at Venice icons like Harry’s Bar (home of the Bellini) or Osteria alle Testiere.
- Private Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Tour — skip the crowds, live the legend.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
- Public Vaporetto day passes — $25 for unlimited lagoon views.
- Free concerts or evening strolls around St. Mark’s Square.
- Murano glass factory tours — affordable, fascinating, and local.
- Walking tours with local guides — priceless perspective, pay what you feel.
🏨 Where to Stay: American-Friendly Hotels for Every Budget
Luxury Icons (Bezos Tier)
- Hotel Danieli: Historic Gothic splendor, steps from St. Mark’s — $800–1,500 per night.
- Belmond Hotel Cipriani: Private island glamour with Giudecca views — $1,000–2,000 per night.
- The Gritti Palace: 16th-century luxury on the Grand Canal — $600–1,200 per night.
Mid-Range American Favorites
- Hotel Ai Reali: Boutique elegance near Rialto — $250–400.
- Pensione Guerrato: Historic charm, family-run, near Rialto — $150–250.
- Hotel Al Codega: Quiet courtyard gem near San Marco — $200–350.
Smart Alternatives
Stay in Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for a more local vibe, easy lagoon access, and lower rates. Our guests love boutique apartments we coordinate through private transfers — no bridge hauling required!
🍷 Dining Like a Billionaire (Without Spending Like One)
Celebrity-Frequented Spots
- Harry’s Bar: Birthplace of the Bellini — iconic but pricey ($200+ per person).
- Osteria alle Testiere: Tiny, seafood perfection. Book months ahead.
- Antiche Carampane: Hidden near Rialto — the insiders’ choice for authentic Venetian dining.
Elegant Yet Accessible
- Trattoria Al Gatto Nero (Burano): Family-run, colorful, delicious — $60–80 per person.
- Osteria Da Fiore: Michelin-starred romance — $120–180 per person.
- Taverna del Campiello Remer: Atmospheric, candlelit, with Grand Canal views.
Insider tip: Want a true Venetian experience? Join our Cicchetti & Wine Tour — it’s where locals eat, laugh, and toast to la dolce vita.
🚤 Transportation Tips for the Wedding Week
Getting Around
- Walking: Still the best way — Venice is compact, but wear good shoes.
- Vaporetto Passes: $25–65 for 1–3 days — valid across lagoon and islands.
- Water Taxis: $100+ per trip — fast, glamorous, and great for special occasions.
- Traghetto Gondolas: $2 per crossing — the locals’ shortcut.
Airport Transfers
- Private Water Taxi: $110–130 from Marco Polo to your hotel dock.
- Alilaguna Water Bus: $15–25 per person, slower but scenic.
- Bus + Vaporetto combo: about $10–15, budget-friendly.
📸 Picture-Perfect Venice During Bezos Week
Venice will be sparkling — literally. Here’s where to get your best shots:
- Bridge of Sighs: Early morning serenity.
- St. Mark’s Square: Golden hour reflections and evening lights.
- Rialto Bridge: Sunset over the Grand Canal — the classic postcard view.
- Burano Island: For colorful contrast and quiet away from the crowds.
And of course — try for that once-in-a-lifetime shot of Koru anchored in the lagoon. But keep it classy — binoculars, not drones.
🛍️ Shopping: How to Channel Your Inner Billionaire
Luxury Shopping
- Calle Larga XXII Marzo: Gucci, Prada, and more — Venice’s Rodeo Drive.
- Mercerie: The historic route between St. Mark’s and Rialto, lined with boutiques.
- Fondaco dei Tedeschi: High-end department store with a free rooftop terrace view.
Unique Venetian Souvenirs
- Murano Glass: Handmade, certified, and timeless.
- Venetian Masks: Each one tells a story — from Carnival to couture.
- Handmade Paper: Crafted using centuries-old techniques.
- Local Wines: Especially Prosecco DOCG from the nearby Prosecco Hills.
🎭 Cultural Highlights Beyond the Wedding
- Doge’s Palace: Gothic magnificence and secret stories.
- St. Mark’s Basilica: Mosaics that shimmer like gold.
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection: A modern art paradise.
- Ca’ Rezzonico: Step into 18th-century Venice — lavish and fascinating.
And for evening entertainment:
- Classical Concerts in historic churches — intimate and magical.
- Baroque concerts at Scuola Grande di San Teodoro.
- La Fenice Opera House: World-class performances in a gilded setting.
- Casino di Venezia: Glamour and history in one of Europe’s oldest casinos.
🇺🇸 Practical Tips for American Visitors
Money & Payments
- Credit cards widely accepted; small shops prefer cash.
- Tip 10–15% in restaurants if service isn’t included.
- Expect price surges near the wedding dates — plan ahead!
Language & Connectivity
English is widely spoken in tourist zones. Download Google Translate just in case, and enjoy free Wi-Fi in cafés and hotels. Venetians are used to helping Americans — especially those who smile and say “Grazie!”
Respectful Travel
Venice is welcoming but delicate. Avoid sitting on bridges or church steps, dress modestly in sacred sites, and remember — behind the glamour, it’s still a living city with families, schools, and workers.
🧳 Travel Logistics: Weather, Packing & Safety
June Weather in Venice
- Temperature: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
- High humidity, possible short afternoon showers
- Sunrise around 5:30 AM, sunset close to 8:30 PM
Packing Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll thank us later).
- Light layers and a rain jacket.
- Smart casual evening wear for dinners or concerts.
- Camera, sunscreen, portable charger — and your sense of wonder.
Safety & Security
Venice is among Europe’s safest cities. During wedding week, expect increased police presence and some restricted areas near major docks. Always check hotel routes in advance and travel light during evening strolls.
💼 Book Your Custom Venice Experience
Want to experience the magic of Venice while the world watches Bezos tie the knot? Tour Leader Venice specializes in private, customizable tours designed for American visitors who want to explore authentically — without the stress of planning.
- “Bezos Wedding Week” Food & Wine Tour: Lagoon-side tastings inspired by Venetian luxury.
- Island-Hopping Experience: Murano, Burano, Torcello — artisan charm and color therapy.
- Hidden Venice Orientation Walk: Get your bearings with a local guide on day one.
- Venice Sunset Bragozzo Tour: For your own romantic lagoon evening — no billionaire required.
Every experience includes hotel pickup (by boat, of course), English-speaking licensed guides, and personalized itineraries designed to make you feel like part of the story — not just a spectator.
✨ Final Thoughts: Be Part of History
The Jeff Bezos–Lauren Sánchez wedding isn’t just a celebrity event — it’s another chapter in Venice’s centuries-long love affair with grandeur, style, and celebration. The city has hosted kings, queens, artists, and dreamers. Now it’s your turn to join the guest list — at least metaphorically.
While Bezos toasts aboard his $500-million yacht, you can toast at a canal-side bar, soaking in the same sunset and the same Venetian magic that drew him here in the first place.
Venice has always been a city of spectacles. Some are historic, some are spontaneous, but all remind us why this floating masterpiece remains the ultimate destination for love, beauty, and wonder.
👉 Book your private Venice experience with Tour Leader Venice and see why, even amid global headlines, the real magic of Venice is still found in its quiet moments — one bridge, one glass of prosecco, one sunset at a time.
Written by the Tour Leader Venice Team — licensed local guides, storytellers, and Venetian insiders since 2008. Proudly helping travelers discover the authentic soul of Venice through private tours, lagoon adventures, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
