What are the costs per person for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A wedding on a boat through the Amsterdam canals is a dream for many couples. But what does it actually cost? And what do you need to keep in mind? In this article, we give you an honest and clear overview of the costs per person, the choices you’ll make, and the things you’re better off arranging sooner rather than later.

What is the average cost per person for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam?

The price for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam averages between €75 and €130 per person, depending on what you want. An informal drinks cruise of one and a half to two hours quickly runs around €50 to €60 per person. If you opt for a full dinner on board, you’re looking at €120 to €130 per person for a three-course menu, or €110 to €120 for a three-hour walking dinner.

These prices are based on a group of approximately 50 people. For smaller groups, the price per person may be slightly higher; for larger groups, it tends to be more affordable. Want to know what your specific situation would cost? Take a look at our packages for a clear picture of the options available.

What factors determine the price of a wedding on a boat?

The final price depends on a number of concrete choices:

  • Type of boat: a smaller salon boat is less expensive than a large event vessel
  • Duration of the cruise: a one-and-a-half-hour drinks reception versus a four-hour dinner makes a significant difference
  • Catering: drinks and snacks, a walking dinner, a buffet, or a plated set menu each fall into their own price range
  • Group size: more guests means lower costs per person
  • Season and date: a Saturday in June is more in demand than a weekday in November
  • Extras: think live music, flowers, decorations, or an on-board photographer

It’s worth thinking carefully in advance about what truly matters to you as a couple. Do you want the focus to be on a beautiful dinner, or is the atmosphere and experience on the water more important to you?

What is the difference between a salon boat and a city tender for a wedding?

Hiring a salon boat for a wedding gives you a classic, elegant atmosphere. Salon boats feature large windows, a covered deck, and an interior that lends itself perfectly to a festive occasion. They are ideal if you want to host a sit-down dinner or a high tea, and they offer shelter in unpredictable weather.

A city tender is more compact and has an open feel. This creates a fresher, more informal experience on the water, but offers less space for large groups or elaborate catering. For a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam, a salon boat is the better choice in most cases — especially if you have a fully catered evening in mind.

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

On the Amsterdam canals, a maximum capacity of 60 people per boat applies. Planning a larger wedding? It is possible to combine multiple boats, allowing parties of 100 or more to cruise together.

For larger weddings, bigger vessels are also available that sail outside the canals — for example, on the IJ or toward the IJsselmeer. These boats accommodate between 60 and 150 guests and offer more flexibility in terms of layout and catering. We are one of the few operators in Amsterdam with boats large enough to host a complete wedding, while most other providers only have smaller rowboats or compact salon boats in their fleet.

What is included in an all-inclusive wedding package on a boat?

An all-inclusive package takes a great deal of work off your hands. Exactly what is included varies by package, but you can generally expect:

  • Boat rental including captain and hostess
  • Catering of your choice: from drinks and snacks and buffets to a walking dinner or plated sit-down meal
  • Drinks on board (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
  • Sound system for music or speeches
  • Personal guidance throughout the planning process

The advantage of such a package is that you have a fixed price per person and won’t be caught off guard by unexpected costs. You have the entire boat exclusively for your party, with no other guests on board. That makes it especially intimate and personal — which is, of course, exactly what you want for a wedding.

When should you book a boat for a wedding in Amsterdam?

Here is our honest advice: as early as possible. The most popular dates in April, May, June, and September are often fully booked months in advance. Especially if you have a specific date in mind — such as a Saturday in summer — it’s wise to make your reservation at least six to twelve months ahead of time.

Prefer to get married outside peak season? You’ll have more flexibility and sometimes more room to negotiate on price. A wedding in October or November also has its own charm, with beautiful autumn colors along the canals.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps you create a wedding on the water

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we take care of everything for your wedding on the water — from the very first question to the last dance on board. Here is what we can do for you:

  • A choice of multiple boats, suitable for small and large weddings of 12 to 175 guests
  • All-inclusive packages with tailor-made catering: from drinks and snacks and buffets to walking dinners and three-course menus
  • A dedicated captain and hostess on board, so you can enjoy every moment
  • A fully electric fleet for a quiet, atmospheric cruise through the canals
  • A single point of contact for the entire organization, from planning to execution
  • The option to sail on the canals, the IJ, or the IJsselmeer

We love helping you figure out what works best for your day. Get to know us and discover how we have been creating special moments on the water for over ten years. Ready to start planning your wedding? Send us a no-obligation inquiry and we’ll be in touch soon.

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