7 questions about getting married on a boat in Amsterdam

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

Getting married on a boat in Amsterdam sounds romantic — and it truly is. But before you say “yes” to that dream venue on the water, you probably have a lot of questions. Is it actually legally recognized? How many guests can come along? And what does it all cost? We’ve rounded up the seven most frequently asked questions so you can start planning with complete peace of mind.

Getting married on a boat in Amsterdam: what you need to know

A wedding on the water is different from getting married in a church or a grand city venue. You’re on the move, the canals are your backdrop, and your guests are literally sitting close together. That’s what makes a boat wedding both intimate and unforgettable. But there are also a few practical considerations that you simply don’t have with a fixed venue. Below, we answer the questions we get most often.

1: Can you legally get married on a boat in Amsterdam?

Yes, you can. In the Netherlands, it is possible to legally get married on a boat, provided the vessel is stationary in Amsterdam at the time of the ceremony. The City of Amsterdam does not recognize a moving vessel as an official wedding venue while it is underway. What most couples do is moor the boat at a fixed berth for the official ceremony, then set sail for the celebratory cruise afterward.

You will need a marriage officiant who is willing to come on board. Many civil celebrants are happy to do this. Make sure to discuss the arrangements well in advance with both the municipality and your boat operator to ensure the logistics run smoothly.

2: Which boat suits your wedding?

The choice of boat largely determines the atmosphere of your wedding. A classic salon boat exudes elegance and nostalgia, while a modern city tender gives a sleeker, more contemporary feel. Think about practical matters too: do you want to be able to sit outside? Is there a covered area in case of rain? Do you need a dance floor?

We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a full wedding celebration. Most companies only offer small launches or salon boats, but we have ships that accommodate larger groups, complete with all the facilities you need for a great party. Browse our wedding boat options in Amsterdam to get a first impression of what’s possible.

3: How many guests can come on a wedding boat?

This depends entirely on the boat you choose. On Amsterdam’s canals, the maximum capacity is 60 persons per vessel. Have a larger group? You can combine multiple boats so everyone can celebrate together. For weddings with 40 to 150 guests, we have suitable options — both on the canals and on more open water.

When determining your guest numbers, also consider the layout on board. A boat certified for 60 people feels much more comfortable with 45 guests and a dance floor than when it’s filled to capacity. Discuss this with your boat operator to find the right balance.

4: How much does it cost to hire a boat for your wedding?

The cost depends on the duration of the cruise, the type of boat, the number of guests, and what you want on board. As a general guideline, you can expect the following price ranges:

  • Drinks cruise (1.5 to 2 hours): from approximately €50 to €60 per person
  • High tea cruise (2 hours): from approximately €75 to €80 per person
  • Walking dinner (3 hours): from approximately €110 to €120 per person
  • Three-course dinner (3 to 4 hours): from approximately €120 to €130 per person

These are indicative prices based on a group of approximately 50 people. The final price is always tailored to your needs. View our packages for a full overview of what is included.

5: What route will you sail on your wedding day?

Amsterdam offers an impressive variety of routes. The classic canal tour along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht is timelessly beautiful. But you can also opt for the Amstel river, the open IJ waterway, or a trip toward the Zaanse Schans or the IJsselmeer if you want more space and a different setting.

Our skippers know the city inside and out. They know exactly which route offers the best light at which time of day, where the crowds are thinnest, and where the most memorable moments await. Tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll be happy to help plan the perfect route for your wedding.

6: What can you arrange for food and drinks on board?

Just about anything. From a simple drinks reception with snacks to a fully served three-course dinner, a walking dinner, or a high tea — we take care of it all on board. The boat is entirely yours, so there are no other guests to disturb the atmosphere. That makes the experience feel completely private and personal.

Would you like something special, such as a champagne ceremony at the mooring or a cake-cutting moment on the water? We can easily arrange that in consultation with you. Bespoke service is our standard, not the exception.

7: When should you book a wedding boat in Amsterdam?

As early as possible. The most popular periods for a boat wedding in Amsterdam are late spring and summer: from April through September. The most sought-after weekends in that period for 2026 are already filling up fast. To secure your date, book at least six to twelve months in advance.

Getting married in the shoulder season — such as March or October — also has its advantages: less traffic on the water, sometimes lower rates, and a completely different, more tranquil atmosphere on the canals. Well worth considering if you have flexibility on the exact date.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your boat wedding in Amsterdam

Organizing a wedding on the water requires a boat operator that does more than just provide the vessel. At Rederij de Nederlanden, we handle everything from start to finish, so that on your wedding day you don’t have to think about anything except each other.

  • Boats for every group size: from 12 to 150 guests, including options for larger weddings with multiple vessels
  • Completely private: the boat is always exclusively for your group — no other guests on board
  • Tailored catering: from drinks and snacks to a walking dinner or a fully served set menu
  • Experienced skipper and host: always on board to ensure everything runs smoothly
  • Flexible routes: canals, Amstel, IJ, or toward the Zaanse Schans — we know every waterway
  • Over 10 years of experience with special occasions on the water in Amsterdam

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about who we are and how we work, or send us a no-obligation inquiry and we’ll be delighted to help you plan the perfect day on the water.

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