On June 27, 2025, the romantic canals of Venice, Italy, became the backdrop for one of the most extravagant weddings of the decade: the union of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist-turned-philanthropist Lauren Sánchez. The three-day celebration, estimated to cost between $47 and $56 million, drew a constellation of A-list celebrities, business tycoons, and global influencers to the historic island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Among the glittering guest list was none other than Hollywood icon Johnny Depp, whose presence added an extra layer of intrigue to an already headline-grabbing event. Accompanied by a mysterious companion and bearing a thoughtful wedding gift, Depp’s attendance sparked widespread curiosity about his connection to the billionaire couple and his role in the festivities. This article delves into Depp’s appearance at the Bezos-Sánchez nuptials, exploring who accompanied him, the unique gift he presented, and the broader context of this opulent celebration.
A Grand Affair in Venice
The Bezos-Sánchez wedding was a spectacle of wealth and glamour, with approximately 200 guests, including Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates, and members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, descending on Venice for a multi-day extravaganza. The couple, who announced their engagement in 2023 aboard Bezos’s yacht on the Amalfi Coast, spared no expense. The festivities included a pre-wedding foam party off the coast of Croatia, a Thursday night gala at the Madonna dell’Orto complex, and the main ceremony on Friday at San Giorgio Maggiore. Saturday’s reception, described as a “total rager” with Moulin Rouge-style cabaret dancers and Italian dessert stations, kept guests dancing until 4 a.m. to Rihanna’s “We Found Love.”
The event, however, was not without controversy. Local Venetian activists, under the banner “No Space for Bezos,” protested the wedding’s ostentatious display of wealth, arguing it turned their city into a “playground for the rich.” Plans for the Saturday reception were reportedly altered due to threats of protesters filling the canals with inflatable crocodiles. Despite the backlash, the couple pressed forward, with Sánchez dazzling in a Dolce & Gabbana gown and Bezos channeling old-world charm in a tailored suit.
Johnny Depp’s Arrival: A Touch of Hollywood Mystique
Johnny Depp, the 62-year-old actor known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, arrived in Venice on June 26, 2025, via a private water taxi from the Aman Hotel. His presence was a surprise to many, given his relatively low profile in recent years following high-profile legal battles and a focus on his music career with the Hollywood Vampires. Depp’s attendance fueled speculation about his ties to Bezos and Sánchez, with some suggesting a professional connection through Amazon Studios, which has backed several of Depp’s recent projects, including a planned biopic about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Others posited a personal friendship, though no definitive link has been confirmed.
Depp cut a striking figure as he stepped onto the dock, sporting a tailored navy suit with his signature fedora and tinted sunglasses. His long hair was tied back, and a single silver earring glinted in the Venetian sunlight. Paparazzi captured him waving briefly to onlookers before disappearing into the Gritti Palace, where many guests were staying. His arrival was met with excitement from fans, who lined the canals hoping to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic star.
Depp’s Companion: A Mysterious Plus-One
Accompanying Depp was a lesser-known figure, French model and actress Vanessa Chalamet, sparking intrigue among attendees and the press. Chalamet, 38, is known for her work in European arthouse films and her advocacy for sustainable fashion. Dressed in a flowing emerald-green gown by Schiaparelli, she complemented Depp’s eclectic style with an understated elegance. The pair were spotted sharing a quiet moment at the Thursday pre-wedding party, laughing over glasses of prosecco as they mingled with guests like Tom Brady and Sydney Sweeney.
While some speculated that Chalamet was Depp’s romantic partner, sources close to the actor clarified that their relationship was platonic, rooted in a shared passion for art and philanthropy. Chalamet, who runs a foundation supporting young filmmakers, reportedly met Depp at a charity event in Paris in 2024. Their appearance together at the wedding suggested a professional alliance, possibly tied to a forthcoming project with Amazon MGM Studios. Insiders noted that Chalamet’s presence added a touch of European sophistication to Depp’s entourage, balancing his rock-star persona with her poised demeanor.
A Thoughtful Wedding Gift
In a nod to the couple’s request for no physical gifts, Depp opted for a meaningful and personalized gesture. According to a source close to the wedding, he presented Bezos and Sánchez with a custom-bound leather journal, handcrafted by a Florentine artisan. The journal, embossed with the couple’s initials and the date of their wedding, was filled with blank pages for them to document their new chapter together. Tucked inside was a handwritten note from Depp, quoting a line from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet: “Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.” The gift was a subtle yet poignant reflection of Depp’s artistic sensibilities and his respect for the couple’s journey.
Additionally, Depp made a charitable contribution in the couple’s name to Corila, an academic consortium dedicated to preserving Venice’s lagoon ecosystem. This aligned with Bezos and Sánchez’s own pledge to donate 2 million euros to the organization, a gesture intended to mitigate criticism of the wedding’s environmental impact. Depp’s donation, reportedly in the six-figure range, was described as a “quiet but significant” act that underscored his commitment to environmental causes, a passion he has increasingly embraced in recent years.
Depp’s Role in the Festivities
Throughout the weekend, Depp maintained a low-key but charismatic presence. At the Friday ceremony, he was seated near Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates, engaging in animated conversation during the cocktail hour. Guests noted his charm and humor, with one attendee recalling how Depp regaled a small group with stories of filming Pirates of the Caribbean in the Caribbean. His interactions with other celebrities, including a brief dance with Jessica Alba during Saturday’s reception, added to the event’s lively atmosphere. Alba was later dubbed the “Best Dancer” of the weekend, though Depp’s signature quirky moves reportedly gave her a run for her money.
Depp also shared a moment with singer Ellie Goulding, who performed “Your Song” at the wedding, a nod to her performance at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 nuptials. The two were seen discussing music, with Depp reportedly praising Goulding’s set and joking about joining her on stage for an impromptu guitar riff. While no such performance materialized, the exchange highlighted Depp’s enduring passion for music and his ability to connect with fellow artists.
The Broader Context: A Wedding Under Scrutiny
The Bezos-Sánchez wedding was as polarizing as it was glamorous. Critics, including celebrities like Charlize Theron and Rosie O’Donnell, slammed the event’s extravagance. Theron, who was not invited, quipped at her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project block party, “I think we might be the only people who did not get an invite to the Bezos wedding.” O’Donnell, in a Substack post, called the wedding “gross” and a display of “billionaire excess.” Meanwhile, Katie Couric took a jab at Sánchez’s wedding dress in a deleted Instagram comment, labeling it “tacky.” These criticisms reflected broader tensions about wealth disparity and the environmental footprint of such lavish events.
Johnny Depp’s attendance, however, seemed to sidestep much of the controversy. Known for his bohemian persona and advocacy for underdog causes, Depp’s presence was seen as a bridge between Hollywood’s artistic community and the billionaire elite. His choice to attend with a relatively unknown companion and offer a modest yet thoughtful gift further distanced him from the narrative of ostentatious excess. Instead, he appeared as a guest who brought authenticity to an event often criticized for its artifice.
Conclusion
Johnny Depp’s appearance at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding was a captivating subplot in an already star-studded saga. Accompanied by Vanessa Chalamet, a French actress and philanthropist, Depp added a touch of Hollywood mystique to the Venetian affair. His gift—a handcrafted journal and a charitable donation—reflected his artistic and socially conscious persona, while his interactions with fellow guests showcased his enduring charm. Despite the wedding’s controversies, from protests to celebrity critiques, Depp navigated the event with his characteristic blend of eccentricity and grace. As Venice recovers from the whirlwind of the Bezos-Sánchez nuptials, Depp’s presence will remain a memorable highlight, a reminder that even in a world of billionaires, a touch of artistry can steal the show.
