How do you organize a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

Getting married on a boat through the canals of Amsterdam sounds like a dream — and it truly is. But how do you go about it? What is and isn’t allowed? And what does it actually cost? In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam, so you know exactly what to expect.

Can you officially get married on a boat in Amsterdam?

Yes, you can — but there are a few things to keep in mind. In the Netherlands, you can officially get married at a venue designated for that purpose by the municipality. A boat can qualify as such a venue, but it must be moored during the ceremony. Sailing while the civil registrar signs the marriage certificate is not legally permitted.

What many couples do is hold the official ceremony on shore or at city hall, and then celebrate the reception on the water. This gives you complete freedom to arrange the cruise exactly as you wish, without any restrictions. Some municipalities in the greater Amsterdam area also allow a registrar to officiate on a moored boat. Always check with the Municipality of Amsterdam or a neighboring municipality for the exact options available in the current year.

What does a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam cost?

The cost of renting a boat for a wedding in Amsterdam depends on several factors: the size of the boat, the duration of the cruise, the number of guests, and your catering preferences. To give you an idea, here is a general overview based on standard packages:

  • Drinks cruise (1.5 to 2 hours): approximately $50 to $60 per person
  • Walking dinner on board (3 hours): approximately $110 to $120 per person
  • Three-course dinner (3 to 4 hours): approximately $120 to $130 per person
  • High tea cruise (2 hours): approximately $75 to $80 per person

These prices are indicative and based on a group of approximately 50 people. The final price depends on your specific wishes and group size. Keep in mind that with most boat operators, you rent the entire vessel privately, including the captain and crew. For a wedding, that is really the only logical choice — you want the boat entirely to yourselves.

Browse the available packages for a complete overview of what is possible and what is included.

How many guests can fit on a wedding boat?

This is perhaps the most practical question, and the answer varies by operator. On the Amsterdam canals, a maximum of 60 people per boat applies due to the width of the canals and safety regulations. If you want to bring a larger group, you can combine multiple boats or opt for a larger salon boat that sails outside the canals — for example, on the IJ or the IJsselmeer.

We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a full wedding of a hundred or more guests. Most operators only offer small rowboats or compact salon boats, which simply cannot accommodate large parties. With us, groups of up to 150 people can be hosted on our larger vessels, and for even bigger parties, we combine multiple boats. That way, everyone stays together — even when you’re sailing with a sizable group.

Want to know more about the options for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam? That page has everything you need to know about our boats and their capacities.

How do you plan the perfect route for a wedding cruise?

The route is a major part of the experience. Amsterdam has so much to offer from the water: the narrow canals of the Jordaan, the wide Amstel river, the open IJ with the city skyline in the background. The best route depends on your preferences and the size of your boat.

Smaller boats can maneuver through all the canals, gliding past the most beautiful bridges and canal houses. Larger boats sail along the Amstel and the IJ, offering a completely different and spectacular view. Our captains know Amsterdam like the back of their hand and are happy to advise you on the route that best suits your wedding, the season, and the atmosphere you have in mind.

What catering options are available for a wedding on the water?

Food and drink are an important part of any wedding — and that is no different on the water. The options are more extensive than you might think. Consider:

  • Appetizers and drinks for an informal reception
  • A walking dinner where guests enjoy multiple courses while mingling
  • A plated three-course dinner for a more formal wedding meal
  • A high tea for an afternoon wedding with a classic touch
  • A buffet on board for a relaxed, festive atmosphere

We handle all catering fully on board, so you do not have to worry about a thing. Your party has the entire boat to themselves, which is of course essential for a wedding. No other guests, no shared spaces — just your celebration.

When is the best time for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is beautiful year-round, but for a wedding on the water, the months of May through September are the most popular. The weather is at its most reliable, the evenings are long, and the city is in full bloom. Keep in mind that this period is busy and boats fill up quickly — especially in 2026. Be sure to book well in advance, preferably six to twelve months ahead.

Prefer to get married outside of peak season? April and October are also excellent options. Crowds are smaller, prices are sometimes more favorable, and the autumn light is simply stunning. For winter weddings, enclosed, heated boats are available, making a December wedding on the water entirely possible.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your wedding on the water

Organizing a wedding celebration on a boat in Amsterdam requires a boat operator that knows what it is doing. At Rederij de Nederlanden, we take care of everything for you:

  • A choice of multiple boats for groups of 12 to 150 people
  • Always includes an experienced captain and welcoming crew
  • Completely private: the boat is exclusively for your party
  • A variety of catering options, from appetizers to a plated dinner
  • Flexible routes through the canals, along the Amstel, or on the IJ
  • All-inclusive packages so nothing gets overlooked
  • Personal advice and tailor-made solutions for your specific wishes

We love helping you shape your perfect day. Read more about who we are and how we work, or send us a no-obligation inquiry and we will be in touch soon.

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