Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are gearing up for a grand wedding in Venice, Italy, on June 27, 2025, but the event’s environmental footprint is causing a stir. With 96 private jets expected to fly in guests like Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Ivanka Trump, the celebration’s carbon emissions are drawing attention. These flights could release as much CO2 as 27,300 cars do in a day, putting a spotlight on the couple’s lavish choices.
The math is eye-opening. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a typical car emits about 12.6 kilograms of CO2 daily. A 2024 study on private aviation reported that one private jet flight produces around 3.6 tonnes of CO2. With 96 jets landing in Venice for the three-day wedding, the total emissions hit 345,000 kilograms—matching the daily output of thousands of cars. That’s a hefty environmental cost for a single event, and it doesn’t even include return flights.
The wedding’s price tag is also making waves. Initial reports claimed a $600 million budget, but Bezos called that false. Current estimates range from $15 to $20 million, covering luxury touches like a possible performance by a star like Andrea Bocelli and a couture dress for Sanchez that could cost $1 million. The couple is working with local Venetian vendors for 80% of their supplies, a nod to the city’s economy, but it hasn’t calmed all critics.
Venice locals are pushing back. On June 19, activists hung a protest banner on St. Mark’s bell tower, crossing out Bezos’ name. They argue the wedding, with its influx of private jets and elite guests, treats Venice like a private playground, worsening the city’s overtourism struggles. One activist told a news outlet that the event disregards residents in a place already strained by visitors.
As Bezos and Sanchez prepare for their big day, the environmental and social impact of their choices is sparking tough conversations. This wedding may be a dream for the couple, but it’s a wake-up call about the cost of extravagance in a world grappling with climate change and community concerns.