What are the best extras for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A wedding on a boat through the Amsterdam canals is one of the most extraordinary ways to celebrate your big day. The water, the canal houses, the bridges gliding past — it’s a backdrop that’s hard to beat. But what makes a day like that truly unforgettable? It’s all in the details. The right extras can transform a beautiful boat trip into a day your guests will talk about for years to come. In this article, we walk you through the best options, from catering to music and from decoration to the most scenic routes.

What makes a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam so special?

A wedding on a boat in Amsterdam has something no venue hall can match: you’re constantly in motion, surrounded by one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world. The canals, the historic facades, the gentle sound of the water. No hotel lobby background music — just a living backdrop that changes with every passing moment.

There’s another factor at play: on a boat, everyone is literally together. There’s no slipping away to another corner of the room. That creates a sense of warmth and connection that’s rarely found at fixed venues. Guests strike up conversations, toast together, and share in the surroundings as one. That’s what makes a canal cruise wedding in Amsterdam not just beautiful, but genuinely festive.

What catering options are available for a wedding on a boat?

Food and drink are at the heart of every wedding, and on the water the possibilities are greater than most people expect. Depending on the atmosphere you’re going for, you can choose from several catering styles:

  • Drinks and canapés for a relaxed celebration where guests can move freely
  • Walking dinner with multiple courses served while the boat is underway
  • Plated three-course dinner for a more formal and luxurious feel
  • High tea for an afternoon wedding with an elegant touch
  • Onboard buffet for a casual and welcoming atmosphere

We offer all of these options and tailor the catering entirely to your wishes. The boat is completely private, so your group has the vessel all to themselves. That makes it possible to arrange the service, the menu, and the timing exactly as you want it. Browse the wedding packages on the water for a full overview of what’s available.

How can you decorate a salon boat for a wedding?

A salon boat wedding in Amsterdam already comes with a stunning backdrop, but with the right decorations you can take the atmosphere to the next level. Think of:

  • Flowers and floral arrangements on tables and along the railing
  • Lanterns and fairy lights for a warm, romantic ambiance — especially for an evening cruise
  • Personalized touches such as place cards, a welcome sign, or a photo display
  • Ribbons, organza, or fabric decorations along the bow or the roof of the boat
  • Balloons or flower garlands for a more festive, colorful look

Keep in mind that a boat is a smaller space than a banquet hall. Less is often more: choose a few strong decorative elements that fit your theme well, rather than overcrowding the boat. Light, airy materials work beautifully on the water and photograph wonderfully with the Amsterdam canals as a backdrop.

What music and entertainment suit a wedding on the water?

Music sets the tone — even on the water. A large DJ setup doesn’t always fit on a boat, but there are plenty of alternatives that work exceptionally well:

  • Acoustic musicians such as a guitarist, saxophonist, or string quartet
  • A compact DJ setup for a more lively evening program
  • Bluetooth speakers with a carefully curated playlist for a relaxed atmosphere
  • A live singer to accompany the ceremony or dinner

Our boats are equipped with a sound system, so you can easily play music or connect a microphone for speeches. Looking for something extra? Consider a photographer who joins the cruise, a caricature artist to delight your guests, or a quiz host to get everyone involved. Entertainment that suits the intimate atmosphere of a boat always works best.

What are the most scenic routes for a wedding cruise in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has dozens of kilometers of canals, and every route has its own character. The most popular wedding routes follow the classic canal ring: the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht offer a timeless, photogenic setting. But there’s more to explore.

For a wedding, you might also choose a route along the Amstel, with open water and sweeping views of the city. Or a journey toward the IJ, where Amsterdam’s skyline makes a striking impression. Our skippers know the city inside out and can tell you exactly which routes look their best at a particular time of day or year. Looking for something truly special? A wedding on a boat in Amsterdam can also be combined with a trip to the Zaanse Schans or the IJsselmeer, for those who really want to go off the beaten path.

How many guests can fit on a boat for a wedding in Amsterdam?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is: more than you might think. On the Amsterdam canals, boats can accommodate up to 60 people. For larger weddings, it’s possible to combine multiple boats, so that bigger groups can celebrate entirely on the water.

We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a full wedding. While most operators offer only small dinghies or compact salon boats, we have ships that can accommodate groups of up to 150 people. That makes us one of the very few providers where a true wedding on the water — with all your guests on board — is genuinely achievable.

Group size Option
Up to 12 people Small salon boat or city tender
12 to 60 people Larger salon boat on the canals
60 to 150 people Larger vessel on open water
150+ people Combination of multiple boats

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your wedding on the water

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we take care of everything for your wedding on the water, from start to finish. We work with you on the route, catering, decoration, and entertainment, so that on the day itself you don’t have to worry about a thing.

  • Fully private boat, including skipper and hostess
  • Choice of catering styles: from drinks and canapés to a plated dinner
  • Boats for groups of 12 to 150 people
  • Electric, quiet boats for a relaxed and sustainable experience
  • Custom routes past Amsterdam’s most beautiful spots
  • All-inclusive packages with a fixed price per person

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about who we are and how we work, or request a no-obligation quote and we’ll be happy to think along with you.

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