Can you combine a dinner with getting married on a boat in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

Getting married on a boat in Amsterdam sounds like a dream. But is it actually possible? And how do you combine a dinner with the ceremony? Many couples looking for a unique wedding venue eventually find themselves drawn to the water. Understandably so — Amsterdam’s canals offer a backdrop that no banquet hall can match. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about getting married on a boat in Amsterdam, covering everything from the legal side to costs and routes.

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 within the municipality where you are getting married at the time of the ceremony. A civil registrar can then come on board to officiate the marriage. You will need permission from the Municipality of Amsterdam, and the boat must be moored at a fixed berth during the ceremony itself.

Would you prefer a symbolic ceremony while sailing? That’s an option too. Many couples choose a combination: the official registration at city hall followed by a personal ceremony on board during the cruise. This gives you the best of both worlds — legal certainty and the romance of gliding along the canals.

How do you combine a dinner with a wedding ceremony on the water?

The most natural structure is: ceremony first, dinner after. You begin with the ceremony on board while the boat is still at the dock or just setting off. Then, once the congratulations have been shared and the first drinks enjoyed, everyone takes their seat for dinner.

Several catering formats are available on board, depending on the atmosphere you want to create:

  • Walking dinner: guests move throughout the boat — ideal for a relaxed, informal atmosphere
  • Plated set menu: guests are seated and served at the table, perfect for a formal wedding dinner
  • Buffet: a great middle ground, offering freedom of choice and a convivial atmosphere
  • High tea: popular for afternoon weddings — light, elegant, and festive

The beauty of a dinner cruise wedding in Amsterdam is that the venue and transportation are one and the same. Guests don’t need to travel between the ceremony and the reception. Everything takes place in one spot, while Amsterdam slowly drifts past your windows.

Want to know more about what arrangements are available? Take a look at our arrangements for sailing on the water for a complete overview.

What type of boat is best suited for a wedding?

For a wedding, you want space, ambiance, and comfort. A salon boat is the best choice for most couples. These vessels feature a covered interior with large windows, so you’re always sheltered from the weather while still enjoying the full view. Many salon boats also have an open deck, which is perfect for photos and a pre-dinner aperitif.

An open tender or small motorboat is less suitable for a full wedding with dinner. Those vessels are fine for a short cruise but don’t offer the space or facilities needed for a multi-course dinner and a longer evening.

We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough to host a complete wedding. Most companies only offer tenders or small salon boats. With us, you have access to larger ships capable of handling a full wedding, including dinner, bar, and entertainment. Curious about the possibilities? Visit our getting married on a boat in Amsterdam page for more information.

How many guests can fit on a wedding boat in Amsterdam?

It depends on the boat you choose. On Amsterdam’s canals, a maximum of 60 people per boat applies, due to the width of the canals and safety regulations. For larger weddings, there are two options:

  • Larger vessels on open water: on the IJ or IJsselmeer, boats can accommodate up to 150 guests
  • Combining multiple boats: for groups of 60 to 400 people, several boats can be deployed together, optionally with a shared departure point and program

The smallest option starts at around 12 guests for an intimate ceremony; the largest configuration can accommodate a hundred guests or more on the water at the same time.

What does a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam cost?

The cost of hiring a boat for a wedding in Amsterdam depends on several factors: the size of the vessel, the duration of the cruise, the type of catering, and the number of guests. Below is a general overview based on standard arrangements:

  • Drinks cruise (1.5 to 2 hours): from approximately €50 to €60 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
  • High tea cruise (2 hours): from approximately €75 to €80 per person

These prices are indicative and based on a group of 50 people. For smaller or larger groups, the price per person may vary. Looking for a fully tailored wedding? We’ll put together a quote together with you that fits your wishes and budget.

What route do you sail during a wedding on the Amsterdam canals?

Our skippers know Amsterdam inside and out. A typical wedding route takes you along the city’s most beautiful canals: the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht, and the Prinsengracht. Along the way, you’ll pass historic canal houses, picturesque bridges, and the distinctive Amsterdam architecture found nowhere else in the world.

For couples looking for something extra special, routes along the Amstel or the IJ are also available. And for those who really want to go all out, we also sail to destinations outside Amsterdam — such as Volendam or the Zaanse Schans — for a full-day wedding with an adventurous character. Our larger vessels have a wider sailing range than most Amsterdam operators, making these kinds of routes genuinely feasible.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps you get married on the water

Organizing a wedding on the water is no small feat. At Rederij de Nederlanden, we take care of everything from start to finish, so that on your big day, the only thing you need to think about is each other. Here’s what we offer:

  • A choice of multiple vessels, from intimate salon boats to large ships for groups of up to 150 people
  • Fully catered dining on board: from walking dinner to a plated three-course meal
  • Experienced skipper and hostess included, ensuring everything runs smoothly
  • Custom routes along the Amsterdam canals, the Amstel, the IJ, or beyond
  • Option for an official wedding ceremony on board at the mooring
  • All-inclusive arrangements with a fixed price per person — no surprises afterward

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about who we are and how we work, or request a no-obligation quote directly via our request page. We’d love to help you plan the perfect day.

Related Articles