Jeff Bezos has been forced to relocate his wedding party in Venice after protesters threatened to flood the city’s canals with inflatable crocodiles to block guests from attending. The Amazon founder had planned to host a lavish celebration at a 16th-century hall in the heart of the city as part of his wedding festivities with Lauren Sánchez.
Instead, the celebration has reportedly been moved to the Arsenale, a centuries-old shipyard complex surrounded by fortified walls – a location much more difficult for protesters to access.
The change comes after residents and activist groups voiced outrage over the disruption and exclusivity of the multi-day celebration. They called it a symbol of how the ultra-wealthy treat the historic city as their private playground.
According to the activist group No Space for Bezos, the couple shifted plans after protesters threatened to clog the city’s canals with inflatable crocodiles to block high-profile guests from attending.
Local media also suggested that heightened security concerns played a role in the last-minute venue switch. This is in light of rising global tensions following the U.S. entry into the conflict between Israel and Iran. Ivanka Trump’s arrival in Venice on Tuesday reportedly added to those concerns.
On High Alert
Despite the change, Venice remains on high alert. Authorities have increased security throughout the city, particularly in the Jewish Ghetto. Around 200 celebrity guests are expected, including Elon Musk, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Up to 95 private jets are rumored to be landing at Venice’s airport for the festivities.
While no official details have been released, reports suggest the three-day celebration will kick off on Thursday. The couple is set to marry on Friday at the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica, followed by a party on Saturday.
Instead of attempting to block the wedding entirely, activists now plan to hold a “No Bezos, No War” protest march.
“We feel like we won something,” one anonymous campaigner told reporters. “The crocodile plan might’ve made the city look bad. That’s why the venue was changed — even if the authorities try to blame it on security or war.”
No Space for Bezos was formed after Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro confirmed in March that the city would host the wedding. Critics argue the event underscores how global elites treat Venice as their playground.
Posters mocking Bezos have popped up across the city, including one with his face on a rocket: a nod to his space tourism company Blue Origin. Singer Katy Perry was also mocked for taking the flight alongside Lauren Sanchez.
Also Read: Jeff Bezos & Lauren Sánchez’s Extravagant Venice Wedding Plans Revealed
