“The many speculations and fake news circulating about Jeff Bezos’ wedding are completely unfounded,” the municipality said. “Only 200 guests will have been invited and therefore it will be easy for Venice to accommodate such an event, without any disruption whatsoever to the city, its residents and visitors.”

Amid backlash from residents concerned about overcrowding and disruption, local authorities emphasised that the wedding guest list is capped at around 200 people and that daily life in Venice will not be disturbed.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s planned wedding festivities in Venice are prompting stepped up protests from local activists.