A wedding ceremony on a boat in Amsterdam is a dream for many couples — and one that can very much become a reality. The canals, the historic facades, the gentle lapping of the water: it’s a setting that’s hard to match. But how does it actually work? Is it legally permitted? What does it cost? And will your entire party fit on board? In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about getting married on a boat in Amsterdam, so you can plan the most beautiful day of your life with complete confidence.
What is a wedding ceremony on a boat in Amsterdam?
A wedding ceremony on a boat in Amsterdam is exactly what it sounds like: instead of getting married in a church, city hall, or event venue, you tie the knot on board a sailing or moored vessel on Amsterdam’s canals. The boat serves as your wedding venue, party location, and mode of transport all in one. While you and your guests enjoy the stunning city from the water, the ceremony takes place on board, followed by a reception, dinner, or party.
What makes a wedding cruise in Amsterdam so special is the combination of an intimate atmosphere and a truly unique setting. Your guests are literally all together in one place, there are no distractions from other parties, and the city glides past you as you sail. It’s an experience your guests will talk about for years.
Can you legally get married on a boat in Amsterdam?
Yes, you can! In the Netherlands, it is possible to legally get married on a boat, but there are a few conditions that must be met. The boat must be moored at a fixed location during the ceremony. A moving vessel is not legally recognized as a fixed wedding venue, meaning a civil registrar cannot perform the ceremony while the boat is underway.
What many couples do is plan the official ceremony on shore or on the moored boat, and then set off for the party cruise afterward. Another popular option is a symbolic ceremony on board during the cruise, combined with an earlier or later official ceremony at city hall. Both approaches work beautifully together and give you complete freedom to plan the day exactly as you envision it.
What does the program of a wedding cruise look like?
A wedding cruise has no fixed structure — you put the program together entirely yourself. That said, a typical day tends to look something like this:
- Welcome on board with a welcome drink and appetizers
- Official or symbolic ceremony on board or on the quayside
- Cruise through the canals while guests enjoy drinks and snacks
- Dinner on board, ranging from a walking dinner to a fully served multi-course menu
- Party or after-celebration on board or at another venue
The cruise typically lasts between two and four hours, depending on your preferences. You can opt for a short reception cruise of an hour and a half, or a full dinner program lasting four hours. Browse our packages for an overview of the options, from a drinks cruise to a three-course dinner on board.
What type of boat is best suited for a wedding?
For a wedding, a salon boat is the ideal choice: a covered, elegant vessel with large windows, a fully fitted interior, and plenty of space for guests to sit, mingle, and dance. Hiring a salon boat in Amsterdam gives you the feel of a classic event venue — only on the water.
Looking for something smaller and more intimate? A city tender or smaller salon boat is a great option for a select group of guests. Planning a larger celebration with more than a hundred guests? You’ll need a bigger vessel. We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough to accommodate a full wedding, while most other operators offer only dinghies or small salon boats.
How many guests can come on a wedding boat?
That depends on the type of boat and the route. On Amsterdam’s canals, a maximum of 60 persons per boat applies, due to the width of the canals and the height of the bridges. For larger weddings of 60 to 175 guests, you can opt for a larger vessel that sails on the IJ, the Amstel, or to destinations outside Amsterdam.
A handy overview:
- Up to 12 guests: small salon boat or city tender, ideal for an intimate gathering
- 12 to 60 guests: mid-sized salon boat, suitable for Amsterdam’s canals
- 60 to 175 guests: large vessel, sailing on the IJ, the Amstel, or outside Amsterdam
Have a very large group? It’s also possible to combine multiple boats sailing in convoy. That way, everyone gets to come along and the experience is the same for all your guests.
What does a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam cost?
The cost of a wedding on a boat depends on several factors: the size of the vessel, the duration of the cruise, the number of guests, and the package you choose. As a general guide:
- Drinks cruise (1.5 to 2 hours): approximately €50 to €60 per person
- Walking dinner (3 hours): approximately €110 to €120 per person
- Three-course dinner (3 to 4 hours): approximately €120 to €130 per person
- High tea cruise (2 hours): approximately €75 to €80 per person
These prices are indicative and based on a group of 50 guests. For a wedding with custom arrangements, specific catering requirements, or additional services such as a host or entertainment program, we always prepare a tailored quote. That way, you know exactly what to expect — with no surprises afterward.
How Rederij de Nederlanden helps you plan your wedding on the water
At Rederij de Nederlanden, we have been organizing weddings on the water in Amsterdam for over ten years. We know exactly what it takes to make your wedding day truly unforgettable, from your very first question to the last dance on board. Here’s what we take care of for you:
- A boat tailored to your group, accommodating 12 to 175 guests
- Fully catered service on board, from appetizers to a fully served three-course dinner
- Captain and hostess included, so you don’t have to worry about a thing
- Flexible programs, whether you want a short reception cruise or a full evening of celebration
- Advice on the official wedding procedure on the water and mooring options
- Electric sailing for a peaceful, stylish, and sustainable experience
We’d love to help you figure out how to make your wedding day absolutely perfect. Read more about who we are and discover why so many couples choose Rederij de Nederlanden. Ready to plan the most beautiful day of your life on the water? Send us a no-obligation inquiry and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.