Getting married on a boat through the Amsterdam canals: it sounds like a dream, but it’s very much a reality. More and more couples are choosing to celebrate their wedding on the water, and it’s easy to see why. You get a unique venue combined with an intimate atmosphere, and your guests will be talking about it for years to come. But what does it actually cost? And how do you go about arranging it? In this article, we break it all down for you.
Can you officially get married on a boat in Amsterdam?
This is the first question most couples have, and the answer is: yes, you can. In the Netherlands, it is possible to legally get married on a moving vessel, provided the location has been approved by the municipality. Amsterdam has a number of recognized wedding venues on the water, and a salon boat can, under certain conditions, be designated as an official wedding location.
In practice, this means either bringing a civil registrar on board or holding the ceremony while the boat is moored at an approved location. It’s wise to arrange this well in advance with the Municipality of Amsterdam, as the rules can vary depending on the situation. Many couples also choose to hold the official ceremony elsewhere and celebrate the reception entirely on the water. That gives you the most flexibility.
How much does it cost to get married on a boat in Amsterdam?
The cost of getting married on a boat in Amsterdam depends on several factors: the size of the boat, the duration of the cruise, the number of guests, and what you want on board. Below is a general overview of what you can expect:
- 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
For a wedding with 50 guests and a full dinner program, you can easily expect to spend between €6,000 and €8,000. Looking for a fully catered event with entertainment and a captain plus hostess included? All of that can be incorporated into a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam. Don’t forget to factor in the costs for the municipality and the civil registrar as well.
What types of boats are suitable for a wedding?
Not every boat is suited for a wedding celebration. For a wedding, you want comfort, space, and atmosphere. The most popular choice is the salon boat: a classic, covered vessel with large windows, an on-board bar, and plenty of room for dining or dancing. Renting a salon boat in Amsterdam is therefore the most commonly chosen option for weddings.
We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a full wedding. Most operators only offer small rowboats or compact salon boats, but our fleet includes ships that can accommodate up to 150 guests or more. That makes a real difference when you want to host a larger group.
What is included in a wedding on a boat?
This varies by package, but with a well-organized wedding cruise you can typically expect:
- An experienced captain to navigate the route
- A hostess or crew on board
- Catering of your choice: from drinks and snacks to a buffet, a served set menu, or a walking dinner
- Drinks included (depending on the package)
- Sound system for music or speeches
- The entire boat exclusively for your group, with no other guests on board
That last point matters: with us, the boat is always entirely yours. No strangers will come on board. That creates the intimacy that a wedding calls for. Browse our packages for a complete overview of what’s possible.
How many guests can fit on a wedding boat?
This depends on the type of boat. On the canals, a maximum of 60 persons per boat applies, due to the width of the waterways and the regulations governing them. Want a larger wedding? You can combine multiple boats, or choose one of our larger vessels that sail on the IJ or outside the canal ring.
Our fleet accommodates groups of 12 to 175 guests. For an intimate celebration with close family and friends, a smaller salon boat is ideal. For a grand wedding reception with a full dinner, our larger ships are the obvious choice. All boats run on electric power, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere on board.
When is the best time to get married on a boat in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is beautiful from the water all year round, but the most popular periods for a wedding boat in Amsterdam are:
- May through September: long daylight hours, pleasant weather, the city at its most beautiful
- December: atmospheric Christmas lights along the canals, perfect for a winter wedding
Keep in mind that the summer months and December fill up quickly. Book as early as possible, especially if you have a specific date in mind. In 2026, we’re already seeing popular weekends in June and September being reserved early in the year. If you want to get married on the water in Amsterdam, it’s best to start planning at least six months in advance.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your wedding on the water
Rederij de Nederlanden is one of the few operators in Amsterdam with a fleet large enough for a complete wedding, from an intimate ceremony to a celebration for more than 150 guests. We take care of everything for you, from the captain and catering to entertainment and custom decoration. That way, you can simply enjoy the most beautiful day of your lives.
- Choice of classic salon boats, city tenders, and larger event vessels
- Fully private: the boat is always exclusively for your group
- Multiple catering styles: drinks reception, walking dinner, buffet, or served set menu
- Experienced captain and hostess included
- Electric boats for a calm, relaxed atmosphere
- Option to sail on the canals, the IJ, or beyond Amsterdam
- Fully customizable packages tailored to your wishes
Curious about what we can do for your wedding? Read more about who we are and what sets us apart, or submit a no-obligation inquiry so we can explore together what best suits your wishes and budget.