Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez‘s three-day wedding extravaganza in Venice has officially kicked off with a star-studded soiree that boasts a lengthy guest list of celebrities, from Ivanka Trump and Kim Kardashian to Tom Brady and Orlando Bloom.

Billionaire Amazon founder Bezos, 61, and former TV correspondent Sanchez, 55, who got engaged in 2023, were seen making their way onto a water taxi on the first official evening of the festivities on June 26, having spent recent weeks traveling aboard the businessman’s $500 million superyacht, Koru.

A slew of stars were seen touching down in the Floating City in the hours leading up to the couple’s welcome party, many of whom were then pictured boarding their own water taxis bound for the first venue of the weekend, where Bezos and Sanchez will toast with their guests for the first time.

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In total, the couple—who are reported to have already legally tied the knot back in the U.S.—will take over six venues in the European city, with multiple events planned throughout the three-day celebration.

Thursday’s welcome party was held at the Madonna dell’Orto cloisters, where guests are reported to have been treated to passed appetizers and pizzas, according to People.

Every possible precaution was taken to protect the safety of the glittering assemblage, with huge tents erected around the venue to prevent any drone photography and police patrolling the water for any uninvited guests.

The over-the-top soiree provided just a small taste of what is to come over the next two days, which will see Bezos and Sanchez effectively commandeering entire neighborhoods of Venice—much to the upset of locals, who have already forced one venue change after threatening to make their other choice of location inaccessible.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have kicked off their dayslong wedding celebrations as they prepare to say “I do” in Venice surrounded by 200 famous faces, including Ivanka Trump and Kim Kardashian. (MARCO SABADIN/AFP via Getty Images)

A host of A-listers have already been seen making their arrivals to the Floating City, including Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, as well as fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and her husband, Barry Diller. (Stefano Mazzola/GC Images)

Among the more iconic buildings being used by the couple and their guests during the festivities are three of the city’s most exclusive hotels: the Aman Venice, the Gritti Palace, and Hotel Cipriani, each of which charge up to $10,000 a night.

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The day after the wedding, the power players will enjoy an intimate dinner at the Arsenal of Venice, a historic site that is accessible only by boat when connecting bridges are raised.

The last of the celebrations was initially scheduled to take place at Scuola vecchia della Misericordia; however, it was swiftly relocated this week as privacy concerns heightened.

And while hundreds of guests are expected for the wedding, an insider told Page Six that the couple won’t even be exchanging vows during their ceremony because they are already married.

“Often a marriage in a foreign country is not valid in the USA, or creates other issues, so yes, it is likely they are already married,” a lawyer in Florida, where Bezos and Sanchez live, told the outlet.

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As for the legal arrangements leading up to the ceremony, insiders claimed that the couple have an ironclad prenup that will be legally enforceable no matter where they end up marrying.

“They can get married anywhere as their prenup would generally be drafted to include its enforceability everywhere,” one lawyer told the publication.

“Divorce can only happen in the state of the primary residence. So if they live in Florida, no matter where they marry or what the prenup says, they would have to divorce in Florida.”

Now, as the high-profile partners get set to say their “I do’s,” we reveal the lavish locations that will be treated to a glimpse of the newlyweds and their A-list guests.

Aman Hotel

The first stop on their wedding extravaganza is Venice’s Aman Hotel, which is the luxurious spot where the couple will be staying during the celebrations. (Aman)

The enchanting hotel sits in the heart of Venice and is “ideal for special occasions, from grand parties to intimate meetings,” according to its website. (Aman)

The first stop on Bezos and Sanchez’s wedding extravaganza is Venice’s Aman Hotel, which is the luxurious spot where the budding husband and wife will be resting their heads during the celebrations.

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The enchanting hotel located in the heart of Venice is “ideal for special occasions, from grand parties to intimate meetings,” according to its website. Weddings tend to take place in the Canal Garden, which overlooks the Grand Canal, followed by a candle-lit banquet with a live opera.

The couple are sure to have gone all out for the occasion, most likely renting out the hotel’s suite, which features an abundance of space, views of the canal, and theatrical murals and gilded ceilings.

The cost of the suite can range from $1,700 to over $6,000 per night.

Hotel Ciprani

Although Bezos and Sanchez will be staying at the Aman, their guests are rumored to be residing at Hotel Ciprani. (Hotel Cipriani)

Hotel Ciprani is designed by American architect Peter Marino, who was inspired by Venice’s grandeur. (Hotel Cipriani)

Although Bezos and Sanchez will be staying at the Aman, many of their guests are rumored to be residing at Hotel Ciprani during the dayslong occasion.

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Designed by American architect Peter Marino, the hotel features stunning suites that offer a haven away from the mainland and sweeping views of the floating city.

The hotel also features Michelin-star dining, a heated outdoor pool, a wellness center, a kids club, a tennis court, and a private marina.

Rooms range in cost from $1,000 to $4,000 a night.

The Gritti Palace

Guests can also stay at the Gritti Palace during the celebrations. (The Gritti Palace)

The Gritti Palace is set on the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice and offers panoramic views of San Giorgio Maggiore, Punta della Dogana, and Santa Maria della Salute Basilica to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. (The Gritti Palace)

The Gritti Palace is another option for guests during the celebrations.

The hotel is set on the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice and offers panoramic views of San Giorgio Maggiore, Punta della Dogana, and Santa Maria della Salute Basilica to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

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The five-star hotel features elegant suites, chic terraces, and a wellness spa.

Prices range from $826 per night and go up to $2,018 or more.

Madonna dell’Orto Church Cloisters

The historic church is where the celebrations kicked off as guests were treated to an elegant dinner on the evening of June 26. (Getty Images)

The historic church is where the celebrations kicked off as guests were treated to an elegant dinner on the evening of June 26.

The church was originally constructed in the mid-1300s and initially dedicated to Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. However, in 1399, the church underwent a renovation and reconstruction in order to strengthen its weak foundation, which also resulted in a new façade, as well as the erection of a larger monastery, according to Churches of Venice.

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It was officially renamed Madonna dell’Orto in 1414 in honor of a statue of the Virgin Mary that was found in a garden near the church and was later moved inside. In the years since, it has changed control multiple times and was ultimately placed under public administration in 1737.

Over the years, the church—and its cloisters—have undergone multiple restorations to maintain the original architecture, which is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic design that still exists in Venice.

Today, the church still serves a dedicated congregation; however, it has also become an incredibly popular tourist site and, on rare occasions, a unique event space.

San Giorgio Maggiore

The couple will say “I do” on June 27 on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. (Getty Images)

The spot is known for the elegant Palladian church, which has been named an important landmark. (Getty Images)

The couple will say “I do” on June 27 on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

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The island is one of the most prominent islands of Venice. It is situated east of the Giudecca and south of the main island.

The spot is known for its beautiful structure and the elegant Palladian church, which has been named an important landmark.

It comes as no surprise that the lovebirds want to flock to the island as it is known for its beauty and has even been featured in a Monet painting.

The church, which was built between 1566 and 1610, is sure to be the spot where the couple will tie the knot and is located across from St. Mark’s Square.

The iconic gem of the Venetian lagoon boasts gorgeous views of the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, allowing guests to take in the art and history.

Arsenal of Venice

The day after the wedding, the couple and their guests will enjoy a dinner at the Arsenal of Venice, which is accessible only by boat, providing them plenty of privacy. (Getty Images)

The day after the wedding, the couple and their guests will enjoy a dinner at the Arsenal of Venice, which is accessible only by boat, providing them plenty of privacy.

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It was once the heart of the naval industry of Venice and held shipyards and armories.

The Arsenal was once responsible for the majority of the city’s naval power from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period.

It is said to be one of the most gorgeous and peaceful areas of the city.

Tourists often flock to Arsenal to see its glory.

The last of the celebrations was initially scheduled to take place at Scuola vecchia della Misericordia; however, it was swiftly relocated this week as privacy concerns heightened.

Koru

The Amazon founder and the former news anchor have been trotted around Italy in Bezos’ stunning yacht, which is named Koru. (Robino Salvatore/GC Images)

The Amazon founder and the former news anchor have been trotted around Italy in Bezos’ stunning yacht, which is named Koru.

He commissioned the 230-foot-tall yacht in 2018, and it currently holds the record for being the tallest superyacht in the world.

It’s also the second-largest sailing ship in the world.

The couple have taken a number of romantic getaways on the yacht, and it is even the same spot Bezos got down on one knee and asked Sanchez to marry him in 2023.

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The stars are aligning for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.

On Thursday, celebrities such as Orlando Bloom, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kylie Jenner and more were seen boarding water taxis at various luxurious hotels in Venice, Italy ahead of the couple’s extravagant wedding celebrations.

Sánchez gave onlookers a wave as she boarded a boat with her soon-to-be husband by her side outside the Aman Hotel. The couple shared a sweet kiss while aboard the boat.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez share a kiss as they leave their hotel in Venice, Italy.

Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sánchez Arrive In Venice As Wedding Festivities Begin

Lauren Sánchez waves to onlookers as she boards a water-taxi.

According to People, the couple hosted a welcome party for their guests in a closed cloister adjacent to the Madonna dell’Orto church on Thursday night.

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Sánchez wore a golden, satin dress — a look from Schiaparelli’s Spring-Summer 2025 Haute Couture collection — according to the outlet.

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Guests reportedly arrived in a convoy of about 30 boats. According to the outlet, guests will be eating pizza cooked onsite by a famous Neapolitan chef.

Throughout the day, baskets of white and purple-colored flowers were brought in to decorate the venue, along with a piano, People reported.

SEE IT: CELEBS FLOCK TO VENICE FOR JEFF BEZOS AND LAUREN SÁNCHEZ’S WEDDING

The party is reportedly being held in the Sant’Alvise complex, which is a 14th century church, monastery, and Barco. Per Vanity Fair, Bezos will be escorted by 10 bodyguards during the kick-off party and the Italian government has recruited reinforcements to maintain the privacy and safety of all attendees amid recent protests.

Orlando Bloom gets on a taxi boat at the Gritti Palace Hotel ahead of the a wedding event.

On Wednesday, the soon-to-be newlyweds were seen out and about in Venice.

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According to multiple reports, the couple decided to change one of their wedding venues in Venice because of security concerns and possible protests.

US football player Tom Brady also boards a taxi boat at the Gritti Palace Hotel.

The couple had planned to hold a wedding party at the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia in the Cannaregio section of the city, but are now said to be moving it to the harder-to-reach Arsenale, a former shipyard, which is completely surrounded by water and only reachable by boat when connecting bridges are raised, BBC News and Reuters reported.

A number of other celebrities are invited to the wedding festivities, which remain a secret but are expected to kick off on Thursday and end Saturday in the picturesque Italian city.

Despite ongoing protests from local Venetians, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told The Associated Press that the city is “very proud” to be hosting the couple’s wedding.

Original article source: Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez celebrity wedding guests take Venice by storm