A wedding cruise through Amsterdam is one of the most romantic and unforgettable ways to celebrate your big day. The canals, the canal houses, the soft sound of water beneath the hull — it instantly feels like a scene from a film. But a wedding cruise has to end somewhere. And the place where you dock matters more than you might think. Whether you want to keep dancing, sit down for a long dinner, or simply enjoy a last few moments with your loved ones, the mooring location largely sets the tone for the rest of the evening. In this article, we take you through the most beautiful options.
What is a wedding cruise and what makes it so special in Amsterdam?
A wedding cruise is, simply put, sailing on your wedding day. But in Amsterdam, it takes on a character all its own. You glide past centuries-old canal houses, under narrow bridges, and across the open IJ, surrounded by everyone you love. There are no assigned seats, no stage, no banquet hall. Everyone mingles naturally, conversation flows effortlessly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and intimate all at once.
What makes Amsterdam truly special is the combination of urban beauty and the calm of the water. The electric engines mean you hear no engine noise — only the gentle lapping of the water and the voices of your guests. That is what makes a wedding cruise in Amsterdam an experience you will not soon forget.
Want to know everything that is possible on the water on your wedding day? Visit our page on getting married on a boat in Amsterdam for a complete overview of the possibilities.
Which mooring spots are the most romantic after a wedding cruise?
Amsterdam has plenty of places where docking itself is already an experience. A few standout favorites:
- The Magere Brug: Arguably Amsterdam’s most iconic bridge. Mooring nearby offers stunning photo opportunities, especially in the evening when the bridge is lit up.
- Westerdok and Java Island: Quieter, a little further from the busy city center, but with an industrial-romantic character that works beautifully for modern weddings.
- The Amstel: Wide, open, and with views of the Stopera and the Amstel Hotel. Mooring along the Amstel feels grand yet intimate.
- Brouwersgracht: One of Amsterdam’s most photographed canals. Docking here is almost too beautiful to believe.
The best choice depends on what you want to do afterward and how large your group is. More on that below.
Where can you moor for a dinner after the wedding cruise?
Want to follow the cruise with a sit-down dinner? Then it makes sense to choose your mooring location based on the restaurant, or the other way around. Amsterdam has a number of restaurants right on the water that also accommodate larger groups — think spots along the Amstel or the IJ, where you can step straight off the boat and inside.
Another option is to keep the dinner on board. That is actually the most practical choice, and often the most festive as well. You do not have to go anywhere, the group stays together, and the atmosphere is already set. We offer several catering formats on board: from a walking dinner and an extensive buffet to a fully served set menu. The boat itself becomes the dining room, and you do not need to dock anywhere else for that.
Want to know which packages are available? Visit our arrangements page for an overview of what is possible on board.
Which mooring location suits a large or small wedding?
The size of your wedding partly determines which mooring spots are even feasible. Amsterdam’s canals have restrictions for larger vessels. Small groups of twenty to forty people can dock in many locations without any hassle. Larger weddings require more planning.
We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a full wedding. While most operators only offer rowboats or small salon boats, we can accommodate groups of up to one hundred and fifty guests on board. That also means the choice of mooring locations is different: larger boats sometimes travel along the IJ or the Amstel, where there is more room to maneuver and dock.
| Group size | Suitable route | Mooring options |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 40 people | Canals, Amstel | Many options, including narrow quaysides |
| 40 to 80 people | Amstel, IJ, wider canals | Larger mooring facilities required |
| 80 to 150 people | IJ, Amstel, surrounding region | Specific locations, advance planning needed |
How far from the city center can you moor after an Amsterdam wedding cruise?
Many people assume that a wedding cruise in Amsterdam is limited to the inner city. But that is not the case at all. Our larger vessels have a wider sailing range than most Amsterdam operators. We also travel beyond the canals, heading toward the IJ, the Amstel, and even destinations such as Volendam, Muiden, or the Zaanse Schans.
Imagine: you get married in Amsterdam, sail out of the city toward open water, and dock at a countryside restaurant or a historic fort. That is entirely possible. For larger groups or longer journeys, it is wise to plan this well in advance, as the logistics are somewhat more complex than a classic canal cruise.
What do you need to arrange for mooring after a wedding cruise?
Mooring in Amsterdam is not always unrestricted. There are rules, permits, and practical arrangements that need to be sorted out in advance. Here are the most important points:
- Mooring permit: Some quaysides in Amsterdam require a permit to dock, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period or are arriving with a large vessel.
- Coordination with the venue: If you are docking at a restaurant or event venue after the cruise, make sure this has been arranged in advance. Not every location has its own jetty.
- Timing: The water is busy in summer. Be mindful of other vessels and avoid scheduling your docking during peak hours.
- Accessibility for guests: Think about how guests will get from the mooring location to their next destination. Is there parking nearby? A taxi rank?
- Weather and a backup plan: Amsterdam in April can be beautiful, but it can also be blustery. Make sure you have a Plan B for the mooring location in case of bad weather.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your wedding cruise in Amsterdam
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we take care of your wedding cruise from start to finish, including selecting the best mooring location to match your wishes and group size. Here is what we can do for you:
- Choice of vessels for groups of twelve to one hundred and fifty people
- Fully private use of the boat, including a skipper and hostess
- Catering options on board: from drinks and snacks to a fully served dinner
- Advice on the most beautiful mooring spots and sailing routes for your wedding
- A sailing range that extends beyond the canals: including the Amstel, the IJ, and the surrounding region
- Electric sailing for a quiet, atmospheric experience
Rederij de Nederlanden is one of the few providers in Amsterdam that handles all of this in one place. Get to know us better or submit a request directly and we will be happy to help you plan the perfect wedding cruise.
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