What do you need to arrange if you want to get married on a boat in Amsterdam in 2026?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

Getting married on a boat in Amsterdam sounds like a dream. The canals, the historic facades, the soft sound of water beneath your feet. But how do you make sure that dream actually becomes a reality without drowning in paperwork? In this article, we lay everything out clearly: from official permits to choosing the right boat and charter company. Here’s how to go into 2026 fully prepared for the most beautiful celebration of your life.

Can you legally get married on a boat in Amsterdam?

Yes, you can. But there are a few conditions you need to meet. In the Netherlands, a marriage must always be officiated by an authorized civil registrar. That registrar must be officially present at the moment the marriage is solemnized — even if that takes place on a boat.

The City of Amsterdam permits weddings on the water, but the venue must be approved in advance. This means you need to register the boat as your wedding location with the municipality, and the registrar must agree to the location. Some registrars prefer not to travel on a moving vessel, so check this well ahead of time. You can also opt for a symbolic ceremony on the water and handle the official part at city hall before or after. This is considerably simpler and very popular among couples who want the best of both worlds.

What permits do you need for a wedding on the water?

This is where many couples get stuck. Fortunately, it’s more manageable in practice when you work with an experienced charter company, as they handle most of it for you.

What you need or should take into account:

  • Permission from the City of Amsterdam to use the canals as a wedding venue
  • Registration with the civil registry, at least two weeks before the wedding date (in practice, sooner — especially during peak season)
  • Boating licenses and insurance held by the charter company itself, as required by law
  • A noise permit, if applicable, should you want live music or a DJ on board

A good charter company knows the regulations inside and out and will help you apply for the necessary permissions. Always ask about this explicitly when requesting a quote.

How much does a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam cost?

The cost depends heavily on the size of your group, the duration of the cruise, and what you want on board. To give you an idea:

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

For a wedding with 50 to 100 guests, expect a total budget of $6,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on your choices. Browse the packages for a wedding on the water for a full overview of what’s possible.

What type of boat is most suitable for a wedding?

Not every boat is right for a wedding. A small tender with ten people can be lovely, but for a real wedding you want space, comfort, and atmosphere. The most popular options are:

  • Salon boats: classic, elegant, and perfect for an intimate wedding with 20 to 60 guests
  • Larger event vessels: suitable for weddings with 60 to 150 guests, with full catering on board
  • Canal barges or city tenders: more atmospheric and informal, ideal for a relaxed drinks reception after the ceremony

We are one of the few charter companies in Amsterdam with boats large enough for a full wedding. Most operators only offer small tenders or compact salon boats, which severely limits the options for larger groups. If you’re planning a wedding on the water in Amsterdam with more than 40 guests, it’s especially important to choose a company with the right capacity.

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

Amsterdam offers an endless variety of beautiful routes. The classic canal ring is always a winning choice, but there are more options than you might think. Consider a cruise along the Amstel, past the Scheepvaartmuseum, or out toward the IJ for a more open, industrial backdrop. Looking for something truly special? Routes outside the city are also possible, heading toward Volendam or the Zaanse Schans.

A few tips for planning your route:

  • Always discuss the route in advance with your captain — they know the city like the back of their hand
  • Keep the time of day in mind: the canals are at their most beautiful around sunset
  • Factor in bridge and lock schedules, as these can affect your timeline
  • Want to moor for dinner at a terrace or another venue? Arrange this well in advance

What should you look for when choosing a charter company for your wedding?

A wedding is no ordinary outing. You want a charter company that knows what they’re doing, thinks along with you, and ensures everything runs smoothly on the big day. Look for the following:

  • Capacity: can the entire group fit on one boat, or will you need to split up?
  • Catering: can the company handle food and drinks themselves, or do you need to hire an external caterer?
  • Crew: will both a captain and a host be on board?
  • Wedding experience: does the company have demonstrable experience with this type of event?
  • Flexibility: can they tailor the cruise to your wishes and schedule?
  • Permits: does the company arrange the necessary permits, or is that your responsibility?

Be sure to read reviews and always ask for references or examples of previous weddings held on board.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps you get married on the water

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we understand how special a wedding on the water is, and we make sure every detail is taken care of. We are one of the few charter companies in Amsterdam with boats large enough for a complete wedding — from small, intimate ceremonies to celebrations with over 100 guests. Our boats run on electric power, so all you hear is the water and the music of your choice.

What we take care of for you:

  • A fully private cruise, so the boat is exclusively yours and your guests’
  • On-board catering, from drinks and appetizers and a walking dinner to a fully served three-course meal
  • An experienced captain and host at your service throughout the entire day
  • Advice on the most beautiful routes through Amsterdam, tailored to the atmosphere you have in mind
  • Assistance with applying for all necessary permits and approvals
  • The option to combine the cruise with a dinner at another venue or a mooring location of your choice

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about who we are and how we work, or submit a no-obligation inquiry and we’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect day on the water.

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