Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are set to tie the knot this week in Venice, Italy, with a lavish three-day celebration drawing global attention. Not all of it is welcome.

The couple’s nuptials, expected to host around 200 high-profile guests including Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey and Ivanka Trump, have prompted local protests over the event’s exploitation of the historic city.

To keep plans under wraps, the pair have reportedly booked multiple venues across several days, such as the Teatro Verde on San Giorgio Maggiore and the exclusive Aman Hotel. The Amazon founder’s £400-million yacht, “Koru”, is anchored nearby, but may have to remain outside city waters due to security concerns.

Lanza & Baucina, the planners behind George Clooney’s Venice wedding, are overseeing the affair, with festivities featuring Murano glass favours and desserts from famed pastry shop, Rosa Salva.

Meanwhile, protest banners reading “No Space for Bezos” have been spotted around the city. Activist Federica Toninello criticised the mayor’s priorities, saying: “Venetians need stable employment with fair wages.”

Despite the controversy, Venice’s officials maintain that the city can handle the grandeur. As the world watches, Bezos and Sanchez appear determined to celebrate in style, and on their own terms.

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