Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez tied the knot in a lavish, multi-day celebration in Venice from June 26–28, 2025, with a staggering estimated cost between $48 million and $55 million. Set against the historic backdrop of San Giorgio Maggiore and the Venetian Arsenal, the event hosted around 200 elite guests and featured extravagant touches, from hundreds of private jets and water taxis to couture gowns, Michelin-level catering, and over €3 million in charitable contributions. While Bezos and Sánchez spared no expense, rumors suggest Bezos didn’t want to shell out an extra $12 million for Lady Gaga and Elton John to perform. Here’s what the original rumor stated and what’s been said since then.

Jeff Bezos allegedly didn’t want to pay Lady Gaga and Elton John $6 million each to perform at his and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez set out to have the most lavish wedding possible — and they didn’t disappoint. The couple rented out five of Venice’s most luxurious hotels, including Aman Venice, Cipriani, Gritti Palace, and St. Regis, at roughly $900,000 just in room costs across 150 suites. They also reserved around 90 private jets and over 30 water taxis. This included Bezos’ $500 million yacht, Koru. Additionally, they spent nearly $2 million on beverages alone, featuring rare vintages like 1964 Petrus, Dom Pérignon, and Louis XIII cognac.

Catering by a three-Michelin-star chef cost an estimated $1–1.1 million. And staffing ran another $1.8 million. Floral arrangements, event décor, security, and entertainment by celebrity performers pushed the budget into the tens of millions. And that doesn’t even cover Sánchez’s custom gown.

While the couple spent tens of millions on the multiday event, Bezos allegedly didn’t want to shell out another $12 million for well-known musical talent. Insiders told British journalist and gossip columnist Rob Shuter that Elton John and Lady Gaga were too expensive for Bezos.

“Elton John and Lady Gaga each cost $6 million for a single night,” an insider alleged. “Jeff said, ‘Absolutely not.’” Instead, Bezos opted for DJ Cassidy and other talent.

“The vibe was still luxe,” a guest alleged. “But everyone was waiting for Gaga to emerge from a gondola or Elton to descend from the sky in Swarovski.”

“The couple were the show,” another guest said. “But let’s be real — some of us came for Gaga.”

Insiders for Lady Gaga and Elton John say they were never approached about the wedding

So, did Jeff Bezos really turn down Lady Gaga and Elton John’s asking price of $6 million? According to TMZ, the interaction never occurred.

Insiders for both musicians told the publication that no such snub ever happened. Elton John and Lady Gaga were allegedly never asked to perform at Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding. Additionally, neither musician allegedly demanded such a high fee.

While Bezos’ critics would’ve loved for the story to be true, it seems it’s likely all fiction. Additionally, if Bezos or  Sánchez ever really wanted either musician to play for them in a private ceremony, we can’t imagine they’d take any issue with shelling out a few million dollars.

The couple likely spent top dollar on musical guests like Usher and Ellie Goulding

Lady Gaga and Elton John didn’t perform at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding. However, the happy couple still had A-list talent grace their guests’ ears. The ceremony on June 27 at San Giorgio Maggiore was soundtracked by the lush vocals of Matteo Bocelli, son of legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli. Matteo delivered a soulful rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” setting a poignant and romantic tone for the vows.

Later that evening, the festivities elevated to performances by Ellie Goulding and Usher. Goulding delivered a heartfelt encore, reprising Elton John’s “Your Song” and several of her own hits. Usher, an old friend of the couple, took the main stage at the dance party, belting out a medley of his biggest songs before descending into the crowd. Fueling the high-energy finale was DJ Cassidy, who kicked off the late-night set with a live orchestra, then returned later to keep the beat pumping until the early morning hours.

Despite Goulding and Usher performing for the high-profile event, neither of them made Instagram posts about it. It’s possible they didn’t want to experience backlash from fans for taking part in the lavish affair.

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