At least 500 protesters have marched through Venice, condemning Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ wedding to journalist Lauren Sanchez, a lavish affair that has drawn backlash in the historic Italian city.

“Bezos, out of the lagoon,” the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre on Saturday (local time), some brandishing signs that read: “Eat the rich”, “Rejected”, and accusations that Venice’s mayor is “corrupt”.

The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the “No place for Bezos” group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple’s harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city.

“We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land,” said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with “No Space for Bezos” who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV.

Protesters later unfurled a large “No place for Bezos” banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal.

Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that “Venice is fighting back, it’s not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism’s”.

People take part in a protest dubbed "No Space for Bezos", a day after the wedding ceremony of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice. Photo / AFP

“We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in,” he added.

Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony on Friday evening (local time) on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark’s Square.

The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball – as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city’s image.

Corey Gamble (from left) Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner pictured prior to the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice, Italy. Photo / GC Images

Guests included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, American football star Tom Brady, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates.

– Agence France-Presse