As billionaire Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, journalist and helicopter pilot Lauren Sánchez, prepare to tie the knot in Venice, Italy, their upcoming wedding is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the year. But they’re far from the first A-listers to fall under Italy’s romantic spell. From Lake Como to Portofino, Italy has long been the backdrop of Hollywood’s most glamorous weddings.

So, what makes Italy the spot for star-studded vows? Let’s dive into the celebrity history and take a peek at what’s going down at the Bezos-Sánchez bash.

© Kevin Mazur/VF25 Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos

Italy: The Celebrity Wedding Capital

Italy has the magic formula, dramatic coastlines, historic cathedrals, Renaissance palazzos, and villas that drip with old-world charm. Add some Amalfi sunsets and a few spritzes, and you’ll get the ultimate wedding mood board.

Let’s rewind to some of the biggest A-list “I dos”:

Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault (2009) © Getty Images After a Paris civil ceremony, the couple held a stunning Italian celebration in Venice, embracing the city’s opulent architecture and timeless flair.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (2014) © Getty Images These two took over Florence, tying the knot at the jaw-dropping Belvedere Fort in one of the most Instagrammed weddings of the decade.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker (2022) © Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Not to be outdone by her sister, Kourtney sealed the deal with Barker in a lavish third wedding in Portofino, hosted by Dolce & Gabbana.

George and Amal Clooney (2014) © GC Images The ultimate power couple turned Venice into their personal fairy tale with a ceremony that felt like a scene from a classic film.

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski (2010) © GC Images They said “I do” at Lake Como, one of the world’s most scenic wedding destinations.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes (2006) © Getty Images Their wedding at the 15th-century Odescalchi Castle near Rome was pure Hollywood meets medieval fantasy.

Bezos and Sánchez’s Venetian Dream

Bezos and Sánchez are stepping into that same storied tradition with their ultra-modern, ultra-exclusive twist. The couple is expected to exchange vows between June 26 and 28, with festivities rumored to span a three-day extravaganza. While the complete guest list remains hush-hush, sources predict a glamorous crowd of around 200 A-listers, including Oprah, Mick Jagger, Eva Longoria, and Sánchez’s close friend Kim Kardashian.

Where It’s Happening (Maybe)

Details are being kept tightly under wraps, but whispers suggest potential venues include Lido Beach, the Island of San Giorgio, the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, and the Arsenale (confirmed last-minute switch).

© STEFANO RELLANDINI Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding celebration in Venice

The final pick, The Arsenale, is a stunning historic shipyard removed from the usual tourist fray. It is a chic choice that helps sidestep logistical chaos and Venice’s summer crush.

As dreamy as it all sounds, not everyone is thrilled. Venice locals have launched a protest under the banner “No Space for Bezos,” voicing concerns about overtourism and the strain events like this put on an already fragile city.

© Stefano Mazzola ‘No Space For Bezos’ banner on the Rialto Bridge to protest the wedding to be held in Venice between Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.

To their credit, Bezos and Sánchez have responded with diplomacy. They’ve reportedly hired local Venetian artisans and workers, encouraged guests to donate to Venice-based charities, and donated themselves to various local causes.

While it’s not a perfect fix, it’s a gesture that acknowledges and respects the city and country as a whole.

A Hyper-Curated Wedding Weekend

Bezos and Sánchez already kicked things off with a foam party aboard the $500M yacht Koru, complete with kissing-in-the-suds photo ops that scream “newlywed energy.” And yes, the pre-wedding glow is real.

© Splash News/The Grosby Group Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez hosted a sunset foam party aboard their superyacht Koru near the island of Cres, in Croatia.

Event planners Lanza and Baucina, the firm behind George and Amal Clooney’s wedding, are pulling the strings again, so expect precision, privacy, and understated elegance.

Although Jeff and Lauren are the latest celebrities to say “yes” to Italy, they definitely won’t be the last. Whether it’s the call of Venice’s canals, Lake Como’s serenity, or the seaside drama of Portofino, Italy’s grip on celebrity weddings is as strong as ever.