What does a typical day look like when you get married on a boat in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

Imagine gliding along the Amsterdam canals just moments after saying “yes” to the love of your life. The water laps gently beneath you, historic canal houses drift past, and your friends and family raise their glasses to your happiness. Sounds like a dream? It is — but it’s also entirely possible. Getting married on a boat in Amsterdam is one of the most extraordinary ways to celebrate your wedding day. In this article, we walk you through a typical wedding day on the water, so you know exactly what to expect.

What makes getting married on a boat in Amsterdam so special?

Wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes these days, but a boat on the Amsterdam canals is truly in a class of its own. It’s intimate, exclusive, and incredibly photogenic all at once. Your guests are literally together on a boat, creating a relaxed, convivial atmosphere that a traditional venue can rarely match. No one drifting off to the bar or disappearing into a corner — everyone is there, together, on the water.

There’s another element at play: Amsterdam itself is the backdrop. The seventeenth-century canal houses, the narrow bridges, the light reflecting off the water. You can’t replicate that. And because you’re sailing on a private boat, the entire space belongs to your group. No other guests, no strangers — just your celebration.

Want to get a feel for the possibilities? Visit our getting married on a boat in Amsterdam page for an initial overview.

What does the schedule for a wedding day on a boat look like?

A typical wedding on a boat in Amsterdam follows its own rhythm. Here’s an example of how the day might unfold:

  • Arrival and boarding: Guests arrive at the dock, are welcomed by the crew, and are immediately offered a welcome drink.
  • Drinks and appetizers on board: As the boat glides slowly through the canals, guests enjoy canapés and drinks. This is the moment for the first conversations and photos.
  • The ceremony or celebration moment: Some couples choose to hold a symbolic ceremony on board while sailing. Others use the cruise as a festive extension of the official wedding ceremony held elsewhere.
  • Dinner or walking dinner: During or after the cruise, a meal is served. This can be a plated three-course dinner, a walking dinner, or a buffet, depending on your preferences.
  • Conclusion: The boat returns to the dock, after which the celebration can continue elsewhere if desired.

The duration varies, but plan on an average of two to four hours on the water. Everything can be tailored to your wishes, from the music to the catering.

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

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer depends on which boat you choose. On the Amsterdam canals, a maximum of 60 persons per boat applies. For larger weddings, multiple boats can be combined, allowing bigger groups to sail together.

It’s worth knowing that we are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a complete wedding. Most other operators only offer small motorboats or salon boats suitable for a maximum of twelve to twenty people. If you want to celebrate a full wedding on the water with forty, sixty, or more guests, you need an operator with the right fleet. That makes all the difference.

What does a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam cost?

The cost of a wedding on the water in Amsterdam depends on several factors: the size of the boat, the number of guests, the duration of the cruise, and the chosen package. To give you an idea:

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

All packages include a captain and crew. Want to find out which package best suits your wedding? View our full overview on the packages page for all options and price indications.

What route does a wedding boat take through Amsterdam?

The route is one of the most enjoyable things to think about. Our captains know Amsterdam like the back of their hand and know exactly which spots are most beautiful when seen from the water. A classic route takes you along the famous canal ring, under historic bridges, and past iconic Amsterdam facades.

But it doesn’t have to be just the canals. Depending on the boat and your preferences, it’s also possible to sail along the Amstel or the IJ. Larger vessels can even head toward the Zaanse Schans or the IJsselmeer, for couples who want something entirely different from a city canal cruise. That’s what makes a canal cruise wedding in Amsterdam so versatile.

How do you plan a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam?

Starting early is the single most important piece of advice. Popular dates, especially in spring and summer, fill up quickly. Keep the following steps in mind:

  1. Decide on the date and number of guests. This determines which boat and which package are most suitable.
  2. Choose a package. Will it be a drinks cruise, a dinner, or a combination? Also consider any music, decoration, or an on-board photographer.
  3. Plan the route. Discuss with the operator which route best suits the atmosphere you’re looking for.
  4. Arrange the practical details. Think about the boarding location, guest arrival times, and any outside catering being brought on board.
  5. Confirm everything in writing. Make sure all arrangements — including the menu, timings, and any special requests — are documented.

A good boat operator takes a great deal of work off your hands and collaborates with you on shaping the day. Always ask about custom options, because no two weddings are the same.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your wedding on the water

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we know better than anyone just how special a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam can be. We have the fleet, the experience, and the team to make your day unforgettable. Here’s what we offer:

  • Boats for groups of 12 to 175 people, including options large enough for a complete wedding
  • Fully electric sailing, so you and your guests hear nothing but the gentle sound of the water
  • All-inclusive packages ranging from a drinks cruise to a luxury three-course dinner, with everything taken care of on board
  • Captain, hostess, and crew included, so you don’t have to worry about a thing
  • Fully customizable: route, catering, music, timing, and decoration
  • Recognized and recommended by Tripadvisor and an official partner of Amsterdam Marketing

Want to learn more about who we are and how we work? Read more on the about us page. Ready to plan your dream wedding on the water? Send us a message via the inquiry form and we’ll be happy to think along with you, no strings attached.

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