A wedding in Amsterdam is already something special. But a wedding on the water? That’s a whole other level. A wedding cruise through Amsterdam’s canals combines the romance of the city with the unique atmosphere of being out on the water — and the result is a day your guests will talk about for years. Whether you dream of an intimate dinner on a salon boat or a grand celebration with a hundred guests on board, Amsterdam provides the perfect backdrop. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your wedding cruise perfectly.
What is a wedding cruise and what makes it so special?
A wedding cruise is simply a boat trip through Amsterdam centered entirely around your wedding. It could be a reception for guests after the ceremony, a dinner on the water, or the celebration itself. What makes it so special? The combination of movement, scenery, and togetherness. On a boat, everyone is literally in the same space — there’s no slipping off to a corner — and the canals provide a backdrop that no event venue can match.
What’s more, a wedding cruise in Amsterdam is a logistical solution that many couples underestimate. Instead of transporting guests from location A to location B, the boat itself is the venue. You combine transportation, catering, and entertainment in one. That saves a great deal of hassle and ensures a seamless day.
What is the best season for a wedding cruise in Amsterdam?
Honestly, every season has its charm. But there are some clear differences.
- Spring (April and May): The city is in bloom, temperatures are pleasant, and the light is beautiful. This is the most popular season for a wedding cruise, so book early.
- Summer (June through August): Long daylight hours, warm weather, and a lively city. Ideal if you want to enjoy open decks and a summer evening atmosphere on the water.
- Fall (September and October): The canals turn gold and red, the summer crowds thin out, and the atmosphere becomes quieter and more intimate. An underrated time of year for a romantic cruise.
- Winter (November through March): Less popular, but no less beautiful. During the Amsterdam Light Festival, the canals are illuminated with art installations, creating a magical atmosphere. And a warm salon boat with candlelight has a romance all its own.
Want the most stunning photos and the best availability? Go with May, September, or October. Looking for something truly unique? Consider a winter cruise during the Light Festival.
What are the best times of day for a wedding cruise?
The time of day largely determines the atmosphere of the cruise. These are the three most popular options:
- Afternoon cruise (12:00–3:00 PM): Perfect for a lunch or high tea after the ceremony. Bright, relaxed, and suitable for a mixed group including children.
- Drinks cruise (5:00–7:00 PM): The city is bathed in golden evening light, the busyness of the day fades away, and drinks on the water feel like a reward. Ideal as an aperitif before a later dinner at another venue.
- Evening cruise (7:00 PM and later): The canals are lit up, the atmosphere is intimate and festive. This is the most popular time for a wedding dinner on the water. Especially in summer, when daylight lasts long, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Our advice? Plan the cruise so that the golden hour — the hour before sunset — falls during the trip. The photos you’ll capture are simply priceless.
How many guests can join a wedding cruise in Amsterdam?
This depends on the boat and the type of cruise. On Amsterdam’s canals, a maximum of 60 people per boat applies due to the width of the waterways. If you want to organize a larger wedding, there are two options: combining multiple boats, or sailing on the IJ or IJsselmeer, where larger vessels are possible.
We are one of the few boat companies in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a full wedding — up to 150 guests on our larger ships. Most companies only offer rowboats or small salon boats, leaving couples with larger groups without a good option. With us, that’s never a problem.
A handy overview:
- Up to 40 guests: intimate salon boat, perfect for a dinner or high tea
- 40 to 60 guests: larger canal salon boat, ideal for a full wedding on the canals
- 60 to 150 guests: larger vessels on the IJ or IJsselmeer, for a grand wedding celebration on the water
What packages are available for a wedding on the water?
The options are more extensive than most couples expect. Browse our wedding on the water packages for a full overview, but here are the most popular choices:
- Drinks cruise: appetizers and drinks on board, ideal as a reception after the ceremony (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours)
- High tea cruise: an elegant afternoon with tea, pastries, and savory bites on board
- Walking dinner: multiple courses served while you sail, informal and convivial
- Three-course dinner: a fully served dinner on board, for a more formal wedding celebration on the water
- Custom arrangements: everything is open to discussion, from a barbecue on the aft deck to a champagne breakfast at sunrise
All packages are completely private. The boat is exclusively for your group, including captain, hostess, and bar. There are no other guests on board.
How do you plan a wedding cruise through Amsterdam, step by step?
Planning a wedding cruise is easier than you think, as long as you follow the right order.
- Determine your group size: How many guests will join the cruise? This determines which boats are available.
- Choose your date and time: Consider the season and the light. Popular dates fill up fast, so start early.
- Choose your package type: Drinks, dinner, high tea, or custom? Discuss your wishes and budget.
- Think about the route: Do you want the classic canals, the romantic Amstel area, or the open water of the IJ? Each route has its own atmosphere.
- Sort out the practical details: Where will guests board? Is music on board desired? Are there any dietary requirements? What time does the cruise end?
- Confirm and relax: Once everything is set, you can stop worrying about it. A good boat company will handle the rest.
Ideally, book at least six months in advance, especially if you’re getting married in spring or summer. The best dates go quickly.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your wedding cruise in Amsterdam
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we know exactly what it takes to create an unforgettable wedding cruise. We have more than ten years of experience with weddings on the water and a fleet suited to both small, intimate groups and large weddings of up to 150 guests. That makes us one of the few boat companies in Amsterdam capable of hosting a full wedding on board.
- Completely private: the boat is exclusively for your group
- Choice of catering styles: from drinks and high tea to walking dinner and three-course dinner
- Captain, hostess, and bar included on board
- Electric, quiet boats for a relaxed and sustainable cruise
- Custom arrangements available: route, catering, music, and timing tailored to your wishes
- Sailing area from Amsterdam’s canals to the IJsselmeer
Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about Rederij de Nederlanden or submit a no-obligation inquiry for your wedding cruise. We’d love to think through the possibilities with you.