Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez Say 'I Do' in a Divided Venice

Some residents welcome festivities, while critics cite carbon footprint and over-tourism

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VENICE - Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and Ms. Lauren Sanchez tied the knot on June 27 at a sumptuous ceremony with the rich and famous on an island in Venice's lagoon, out of the sight and sound of protesters.

"This city seems impossible! It can't exist and yet, here it is!" an enchanted Mr. Bezos told a La Repubblica journalist on June 26 who got close to the magnate as he whizzed around the canals by boat.

But protesters had a different view, wondering how long Venice can endure: While the billionaires party, activists say the fragile city is sinking, overrun by tourists, and has become a victim of depopulation as locals unable to pay soaring rents are forced out.

"No Kings, No Bezos," read a sign in green neon projected on the St. Mark's Campanile tower on the night of June 26.

Ms. Sanchez late on June 27 posted a photo on Instagram—under a new name, laurensanchezbezos—showing her in a long flowing white dress and Mr. Bezos in black tie, though it did not provide any indication of where it was taken.

Mr. Bezos and Ms. Sanchez, a former news anchor and entertainment reporter, celebrated their nuptials with guests who included Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Orlando Bloom.

The tech magnate, 61, and Ms. Sanchez, 55, are staying at the Aman hotel, a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the Rialto bridge.