Getting married on a boat in Amsterdam sounds like something out of a movie — but it’s entirely possible, and honestly, it’s a brilliant idea. The canals, the historic canal houses, the water gently lapping as you say yes to each other. There is no venue in Amsterdam quite as unique and unforgettable. But as with any wedding, good preparation is everything. Below you’ll find seven practical tips to help you create a day you’ll never forget.
Why a boat is the perfect wedding venue
A boat as a wedding venue offers something no ballroom or garden ever can: movement, views, and a sense of freedom. Your guests are literally together on the water, undistracted by the outside world. That creates an intimate atmosphere that’s hard to replicate at a fixed venue. And as you glide along, the scenery changes naturally — Amsterdam’s most beautiful backdrops, one after another.
What many people don’t realize is that getting married on a boat in Amsterdam is also practically appealing. Transportation, venue, and celebration are all combined in one. Guests don’t have to shuttle between a ceremony, a dinner, and a party venue. Everything happens on board, at your own pace.
Tip 1: Choose the right boat for your wedding
This is probably the most important decision you’ll make. The boat sets the tone, determines the capacity, and defines what’s possible. A small salon boat for 20 guests feels very different from a larger vessel for 80 people.
Keep a few things in mind when choosing:
- Capacity: how many guests are coming, including your partner, parents, and photographer?
- Cover: do you want an open deck or an enclosed space in case it rains?
- Style: classic and atmospheric, or modern and sleek?
We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough to host a full wedding. Most operators only offer small boats or salon vessels. With us, you can choose from ships that accommodate up to 150 guests, so larger weddings are no problem at all. Take a look at our options for getting married on a boat in Amsterdam for a first impression of our fleet.
Tip 2: Arrange the official marriage permit in time
In the Netherlands, you can officially get married on a boat — but there are rules attached. The Municipality of Amsterdam sets requirements for the venue, and the registrar must approve the location. This takes time, so start early.
Practical steps:
- Contact the Municipality of Amsterdam for the requirements regarding a wedding venue on the water.
- Ask the boat operator for the vessel’s documentation (registration, certificates).
- File your notice of marriage at least two weeks in advance — but with a boat venue, earlier is always better.
- Confirm the registrar’s presence at the agreed location and time.
Want just the ceremony on the water and the reception elsewhere? The rules are sometimes more flexible in that case. Discuss this with both the municipality and the boat operator.
Tip 3: Plan a route past Amsterdam’s most beautiful spots
The route is part of the experience. Our skippers know Amsterdam like the back of their hand and know exactly which canals look their best at which time of day. Think of the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht, the Prinsengracht, and the Amstel.
Looking for something extra special? Ask whether a trip across the IJ or past the Zaanse Schans is possible. Our larger vessels have a wider sailing range than most Amsterdam boat operators, so we can venture beyond the canals too. That opens up possibilities for a truly unique route that fits your story.
Tip: schedule the ceremony on the water around golden hour, just before sunset. Your photos will be stunning without any extra effort.
Tip 4: Tailor the catering to being on the water and your guests
Food and drink on a boat require a different approach than at a banquet hall. Not every dish is well suited to movement and limited space. Opt for easy-to-eat bites, or consider a walking dinner where guests eat standing up or at small tables.
We offer several catering formats on board, from drinks and canapés and a walking dinner to a buffet or a plated set menu. The entire group has the boat to themselves, so the atmosphere is always private and personal. Browse our packages for an overview of what’s available.
Also take your guests’ dietary requirements into account. The galley on a boat is smaller than a restaurant kitchen, so communicate any needs to the operator well in advance.
Tip 5: Ensure comfort and safety on board
A wedding is a long day. Make sure guests are comfortably seated and that there are enough seats for everyone. Also ask about the safety measures on board: are life jackets available, what are the emergency procedures, and how is boarding arranged?
Bear in mind that boats are generally not wheelchair accessible. Do you have guests with limited mobility? Discuss this with the boat operator in advance so you can work out together what is possible.
Tip 6: Think through how guests will board
This sounds logistical, but it’s a surprisingly common oversight. Guests don’t always know where to go, especially if the boarding point isn’t obvious. Include a clear set of directions with the invitation, along with the exact name of the dock and the time everyone needs to be on board.
Also allow an extra fifteen minutes for boarding. With formal attire and heels, things naturally take a little longer than usual. A hostess at the gangway makes boarding smoother and gives guests a warm welcome from the very start.
Tip 7: Book early for the best availability
Spring and early summer are the most popular times for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam. May, June, and July fill up fast — especially with operators that have larger vessels. Want a specific date? Book at least six months in advance, or ideally a year ahead.
Booking early has another advantage: you have more time to arrange the details, from the route to the catering and the marriage permit. Everything comes together calmly rather than in a last-minute rush.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with a wedding on the water
Rederij de Nederlanden is one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a complete wedding, from ceremony to celebration. Whether you’re hosting 20 or 150 guests, we have the right boat and an experienced team to make it an unforgettable day.
- Private charter: the boat is entirely yours — no other guests on board
- All-inclusive packages: catering, skipper, and hostess — everything taken care of
- Flexible routes: canals, the Amstel, the IJ, or even beyond Amsterdam
- Tailor-made: your wishes are the starting point, not a standard package
- Electric sailing: quiet, clean, and atmospheric
Curious what we can do for your wedding? Read more about who we are and what drives us, or send us a message directly via our inquiry page. We’d love to think along with you.