When Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez tie the knot in Venice this weekend, they will be the latest in a long line of celebrities to wed in Italy.
The European country has been the backdrop for a number of lavish star-studded nuptials, including that of reality TV royalty Kim Kardashian, as well as actual royalty, with Lady Kitty Spencer marrying there.
It’s also been the wedding destination for celebrity power couples including: Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Salma Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault.
READ MORE: ‘Bezos is trying to marry his sweetheart and all he’s getting is grief’
The Bezos Venetian extravaganza is already being dubbed “the wedding of the century” and is set to feature a guest list with some of the biggest names in the entertainment world.
But how does it compare to those who have gone before?
Let’s take a look at some of the most lavish celebrity weddings to be held in Italy.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
KimYe, as they were known at the time, wed in Florence in 2014, with the fairytale wedding turned into a two-part TV special.
The eldest of their four children, North West, was almost a one-year-old on the big day, which was held at a 16th-century fortress known for its panoramic views over Florence, called Forte di Belvedere.
It’s estimated the couple spent $US2.8 million (approx $4.3 million today) on the event, which included Andrea Bocelli singing as Kim walked down the aisle.
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker
Kim’ older sister Kourtney Kardashian followed suit with an Italian wedding when she married Blink182 drummer Travis Barker in 2022.
The celebrity couple said their ‘I dos’ inside Villa L’Olivetta, in Portofino, which is owned by Dolce & Gabbana (where Aussie singer Sia married months later).
Kravis, as they’re known to fans, held their reception at a medieval castle, Castello Brown, also located on the same estate.
READ MORE: Celebrity guests start arriving in Venice for ‘wedding of the century’
Kourtney and Travis’s $US3.5 million ($5.4 million) wedding was also turned into a TV special.
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin
From reality TV royalty to Hollywood royalty, George Clooney also kept the 16th century vibes going with his wedding to Amal Alamuddin in 2014.
The couple had an intimate civil ceremony at Venice City Hall, or Palazzo Ca’ Farsetti, before their lavish wedding at Aman Venice hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice.
The generous newlyweds covered the cost of accommodation there for their guests, as well as pool-side cocktail parties, five-star hotel dinners and private water taxis between venues for all their guests during the multi-day event.
It’s estimated the big day cost a whopping $US13 million (approx $20 million today).
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
After jumping on Oprah’s couch and declaring his love for the former Dawson’s Creek star, Tom Cruise wed Katie Holmes in Lake Bracciano in 2006.
The couple held a sunset ceremony at the 15th century Odeschalchi Castle, which is in the Lazio region, north-west of Rome.
Fireworks went off in front of their A-list guests, including Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, John Travolta. and David Beckham.
Andrea Bocelli also performed at the couple’s wedding, which is estimated to have cost in total more than $US3 million ($4.6 million).
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel tied the knot at Borgo Egnazia resort in Puglia back in 2012.
During the reception, the former NSYNC member serenaded his wife, who opted for a pink Giambattista Valli gown.
The couple said they like to eat and enjoy Italian food, which is why they decided to wed there, with mini caprese salads and Affogato (ice cream and coffee) reportedly on their menu.
Lady Kitty Spencer and Michael Lewis
Princess Diana’s niece Lady Kitty Spencer wed Michael Lewis in July 2021 at Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati, just south-east of Rome.
It’s understood the venue for the lavish affair can cost as much as £20,000-a-day ($42,000) to hire the private castle.
The bride, who is an ambassador for Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, wore not one but two of their designs for her big day – reportedly worth more than £2.5 million ($5.25 million)
itty’s famous cousins Princes William and Harry weren’t in attendance, but it’s understood actor Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina, as well as singer Pixie Lott, were among the celebrity guests.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.