A wedding cruise through Amsterdam is one of the most extraordinary ways to celebrate your wedding day. The canals, the canal houses, the water gently lapping against the bow — it is a setting that can hardly be found anywhere else in the world. But before you book everything, you naturally want to know what to expect. How long does such a cruise last? What does it cost? And how many people can actually come along? In this article, we answer all your questions so you can start planning your perfect wedding day on the water fully prepared.
What is the difference between a wedding cruise and a regular canal tour?
A regular canal tour is, in most cases, a shared boat with other tourists, a fixed route, and a pre-recorded audio guide. Great for exploring the city, but not exactly what you want on your wedding day. A wedding cruise in Amsterdam is something else entirely.
With a wedding cruise, you hire the boat exclusively for your group. That means only your guests are on board, the route is tailored to your wishes, and the entire program revolves around you. Think champagne as you board, dinner on the water, music of your choice, and even a wedding ceremony on board if you wish. Everything is custom-made. That is precisely the difference: a wedding cruise is an event, not a sightseeing tour.
What route does a wedding boat take through Amsterdam?
The route of a wedding cruise in Amsterdam depends on what you want to see and how long the cruise lasts. The most popular routes follow the classic canals: the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. You pass under narrow bridges, past historic canal houses, and along quiet quaysides that make Amsterdam so unique.
More extensive routes are also possible. You can sail along the Amstel toward open water, head along the IJ toward the modern skyline of Amsterdam-Noord, or even take a day trip to the Zaanse Schans or the IJsselmeer. These longer routes are ideal if you want to turn the cruise into a true outing — for example, as part of a wedding celebration that lasts the entire day.
Want to find out more about what is possible? Take a look at our options for getting married on a boat in Amsterdam for a complete overview of routes and possibilities.
How many people can fit on a wedding boat in Amsterdam?
This is a question that surprises many people. Most boat operators in Amsterdam only have small launches or salon boats with room for twenty to thirty guests. That is perfectly fine for an intimate gathering, but for a full wedding it is often too limited.
We are one of the few operators in Amsterdam with boats large enough for a complete wedding. Our fleet accommodates groups of ten to one hundred and seventy-five guests, depending on which boat you choose. On the Amsterdam canals, a maximum of sixty people per boat applies due to the width of the waterways, but on open water — such as the IJ or the IJsselmeer — our larger vessels can carry more guests. For very large weddings, it is also possible to combine multiple boats so that no one has to be left behind.
What does a wedding cruise in Amsterdam cost on average?
The cost of hiring a boat for a wedding in Amsterdam depends on several factors: the duration of the cruise, the number of guests, the catering you choose, and which boat you hire. To give you an idea, here is an overview of the most common packages:
| Package | Duration | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks cruise with snacks | 1.5 to 2 hours | €50 to €60 |
| High tea cruise | 2 hours | €75 to €80 |
| Walking dinner on board | 3 hours | €110 to €120 |
| Three-course dinner on the water | 3 to 4 hours | €120 to €130 |
The prices above are estimates based on fifty guests. The final price always depends on your specific wishes and group size. Browse our packages and arrangements for a complete overview of what is available and what is included.
Whatever you choose: all boats are hired inclusive of a captain and crew. You do not need to worry about a thing — just enjoy.
When is the best time to book a wedding cruise in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is beautiful from the water all year round, but some periods are more popular than others. Spring and early summer, from April through June, are by far the busiest months for wedding boats in Amsterdam. The weather is pleasant, the trees are in bloom, and the city is at its most radiant. September and October are also popular, with beautiful autumn colors along the canals.
Looking for a specific date in 2026? Then it is wise to book as early as possible — ideally six to twelve months in advance. Popular Saturdays in spring are sometimes fully booked a year ahead. A winter wedding cruise, for example during the Amsterdam Light Festival in December, is a stunning and less busy alternative that is growing in popularity.
A few practical tips for planning:
- Book early, especially if you have a specific date or boat in mind
- Consider the weather: choose an enclosed or covered boat if you are getting married in autumn or winter
- Ask about flexibility: some operators offer the option to change the date in the event of extreme weather conditions
- Combine with a venue: start or end the cruise at a waterside wedding venue for a seamless transition
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your wedding cruise in Amsterdam
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we understand that a wedding is not a standard event. That is why we offer fully customized wedding cruises, from an intimate drinks cruise for twenty guests to an elaborate dinner on the water for a large party. Here is what sets us apart from most other operators in Amsterdam:
- We are one of the few operators in Amsterdam with boats large enough for a full wedding, accommodating up to one hundred and seventy-five guests
- All our boats run on electric power, so your guests hear nothing but the gentle sound of the water
- We offer multiple catering options on board: from drinks and snacks and high tea to a walking dinner or a fully served three-course meal
- The boat is always exclusively yours — no other guests on board
- Inclusive of captain, crew, and host, so you can enjoy every moment from start to finish
- In addition to the Amsterdam canals, we also sail on the IJ, the Amstel, and to destinations such as the Zaanse Schans
Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about Rederij de Nederlanden or send us a no-obligation inquiry and we will be happy to think along with you.