Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans’ daily lives. “One Nation Under God” is committed to reflecting America’s voices, values and communities, covering stories of faith and religion, from the latest headlines to stories of hope. Subscribe here.
(NewsNation) — Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and longtime girlfriend Lauren Sanchez chose one of the world’s most romantic cities for their wedding: Venice. It’s also a destination with a deep religious and cultural history.
According to Italian media, the nuptials included a reception at the Madonna dell’Orto, a 14th-century Catholic Church, and a wedding ceremony on San Giorgio Island, best known for the church of San Giorgio Maggiore designed by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
What is the history of Madonna dell’Orto?
Madonna dell’Orto, which translates to “Our Lady of the Garden,” is located in the Venetian district of Cannaregio. It was the parish of the Italian Renaissance painter Jacopo Tintoretto, who lived nearby and is buried there. Bezos and Sanchez hosted a reception for their celebrity guests in its cloister, or courtyard.
Athletes, celebrities, influencers and business leaders gathered last week to take part in the extravagant affair. Oprah Winfrey, NFL legend Tom Brady, Bill Gates, the Kardashians and Queen Rania of Jordan were among those on the star-studded guest list.
The church was founded by a religious order known as the Humiliati and was dedicated to St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers and merchants, likely due to its proximity to the canals of Venice, a city built on water.
What is San Giorgio Island known for?
San Giorgio Island is known for its church, a notable architectural and spiritual landmark. According to Bruce Boucher of the Art Institute of Chicago, the first church on the island was built around 790 A.D. and was given to the Benedictine Order in 982. The Benedictines established a monastery there, but in 1223, all the buildings on the island were destroyed in an earthquake, according to Boucher.
This picture taken on June 23,2025 shows the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, in Venice lagoon, northern Italy. (Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI /GETTY-AFP) 
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos on June 28, 2025, in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Mazzola/GC Images) 
Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos and spouse Lauren Sanchez Bezos leave the Aman Hotel on the third day of their wedding festivities, in Venice on June 28, 2025. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / GETTY-AFP) 
Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos and spouse Lauren Sanchez Bezos kiss as they leave the Aman Hotel on the third day of their wedding festivities, in Venice on June 28, 2025. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / GETTY-AFP) 
Protestors against the wedding of Jeff Bezos march in Venice, Italy, on June 28, 2025. (Photo by Lucrezia Granzetti/NurPhoto via Getty Images) 
Singer Usher Raymond and wife Jennifer Goicoechea are pictured on a taxi boat in Venice lagoon ahead of US Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ wedding with Lauren Sanchez, on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Stefano Rellandini /GETTY-AFP) 
British actor Orlando Bloom and guest get on a taxi boat at the Gritti Palace Hotel ahead of the wedding of Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos with Lauren Sanchez. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images) 
Kylie Jenner leaves Venice airport Marco Polo after attending the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez on June 29, 2025, in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Mazzola/GC Images) 
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez leave the Aman Hotel to go to dinner with guests ahead of their wedding, on June 26, 2025, in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Mazzola/GC Images) 
Kim Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian are sighting ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Wedding at Hotel Gritti on June 26, 2025, in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images) 
Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner are sighting ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Wedding on June 26, 2025, in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images) 
Activists of international environmental group Greenpeace deploy a giant banner displaying a picture of Jeff Bezos. (Photo by STEFANO RELLANDINI/AFP via Getty Images) 
Graffiti reading “No Space for Bezos” is pictured in a bar of Venice where the billionaire Jeff Bezos will marry his fiancee, journalist Lauren Sanchez. (Photo by ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images)
Palladio arrived in Venice in 1560 when parts of the monastery were being rebuilt and was asked to design a church. It was completed after Palladio’s death.
The church contains two large works by Tintoretto: “The Last Supper” and “The Jews in the Desert.”