Getting married on a boat or getting married in a castle? It’s a question that occupies more couples than you might think. Both options have their own character, atmosphere, and logistics — but they are also fundamentally different. In this article, we outline the key differences so you can make a choice that truly suits the two of you.
What are the biggest differences between getting married on a boat and in a castle?
The most obvious difference is the setting. A castle stands still. It has walls, halls, and a garden. A boat moves, breathes, and changes its surroundings while you celebrate. That gives the day a completely different dynamic.
In a castle, you decide the layout: dinner in the great hall, the party in the orangery, photos in the garden. On a boat, the space is more compact but more intense. Everyone is literally together, creating a warm, connected feeling that is hard to match in a large, static venue.
Another major difference is exclusivity. On a boat, you and your guests have the entire accommodation to yourselves. No other weddings in adjacent halls, no strangers in the background of your photos. This also applies to our boats: your group has the boat entirely to themselves, with no other guests on board.
How does a wedding ceremony on a boat in Amsterdam work?
A wedding ceremony on the water in Amsterdam is special, yet also very practical to organize. Most couples choose to hold the official ceremony on land, at a city hall or wedding venue near the water, and then step on board for the celebration.
But there are other options. Some boats are certified as wedding venues, which means the registrar can simply come on board. You exchange rings as Amsterdam slowly glides past. Afterward, the party continues with drinks, snacks, and music on the water.
Want to know what’s possible on the water? Visit our page on getting married on a boat in Amsterdam for an overview of the options and possibilities.
How many guests can a salon boat accommodate for a wedding?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer depends largely on the boat. Many boat operators in Amsterdam only offer small dinghies or compact salon boats with room for a maximum of 12 to 30 people. That’s fine for an intimate gathering, but not enough for a full wedding.
We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a complete wedding. Our larger boats can accommodate groups of up to 150 people, depending on the configuration and package. For groups on the Amsterdam canals, a maximum of 60 people per boat applies, but for larger parties, multiple boats can be combined or we can sail on open water.
For comparison: a castle typically has multiple halls and can easily host 200 to 400 guests. If you’re planning a large wedding with more than 150 guests, a castle is logistically simpler. For an intimate to mid-sized wedding, a salon boat is a wonderful alternative.
What does a wedding on a boat cost compared to a castle?
Honestly, it’s difficult to capture in a single figure, but we can make a comparison. Castle weddings in the Netherlands typically cost between €15,000 and €50,000, depending on the castle, the season, and the catering. Additional costs for decoration, transportation, and guest accommodation often come on top of that.
A wedding on a boat is generally more flexible in price. The costs depend on the group size, the duration of the cruise, and the chosen package. An estimate based on 50 guests:
- Drinks cruise: approximately €50 to €60 per person
- Walking dinner on board: approximately €110 to €120 per person
- Three-course dinner: approximately €120 to €130 per person
This makes a wedding on the water more affordable for many couples than a castle, especially when you factor in the all-inclusive nature of the packages. Browse our available packages for a complete overview of options and pricing.
What culinary options are available at a wedding on the water?
Food and drink are a major part of any wedding, and on the water there is absolutely no need to compromise. Quite the opposite. We offer several catering formats on board, from a classic drinks reception with Dutch snacks to a plated three-course dinner or a walking dinner where guests move through the boat and sample a variety of dishes.
A high tea cruise is also an option, which is perfect for an afternoon wedding or a more relaxed celebration. Everything is taken care of on board, including the bar, service, and presentation — you don’t have to worry about a thing. The culinary tradition we uphold on board is inspired by the great cruise ships of the 1930s, where hospitality and quality were at the heart of every voyage.
At a castle, you often have more freedom in choosing external caterers, but also more coordination and logistics to manage. On a boat, everything is arranged in one place.
When is getting married on a boat the better choice?
Getting married on a boat is the best fit for couples who:
- Want a unique, unforgettable setting that no castle can offer
- Love an intimate atmosphere where everyone truly connects with one another
- Have a personal connection to Amsterdam and the water
- Prefer to have everything arranged in one package without coordinating separate vendors
- Want a flexible budget without compromising on quality or experience
A castle is the better choice if you have a very large group, need multiple separate spaces, or specifically dream of a historic, countryside setting.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps you plan your wedding on the water
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we take care of everything for your wedding on the water in Amsterdam. From the boat and captain to catering, hostess, and route — all you have to do is enjoy the day. We are one of only three boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a full wedding, while most other providers only offer small dinghies or compact salon boats.
- Boats for groups of 12 to 150 people
- Fully private: no other guests on board
- All-inclusive packages including catering and service staff
- Experienced captains and hostesses to ensure the day runs smoothly
- Electric boats for a quiet, atmospheric cruise through Amsterdam
Want to find out more about what’s possible? Read more about who we are and how we work, or submit a no-obligation inquiry and we’ll be happy to think along with you.