What is the difference between a salon boat and a sightseeing boat for a wedding?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A wedding in Amsterdam on the water: it sounds romantic — and it truly is. But as soon as you start looking for a boat for your wedding day, you quickly run into a question: what exactly is the difference between a salon boat and a regular canal cruise boat? And which one is best suited for a wedding? In this article, we explain it clearly so you can make an informed choice for that unforgettable day.

What is a salon boat and what is a canal cruise boat?

A canal cruise boat is what most people picture when they think of sailing through Amsterdam’s canals: an open or semi-open boat with benches, designed for sightseeing from the water. These boats are compact, often suited for smaller groups, and focused on taking in the city’s scenery.

A salon boat is a different story. This is a larger, fully enclosed vessel with a genuine interior space — think tables, chairs, a bar, lighting, and sometimes even an upper deck. A salon boat feels more like a floating event venue than a tourist cruise. There is room to dine, dance, toast, and truly enjoy the day, without the weather spoiling things.

For a wedding, this distinction is crucial. You don’t want your guests getting soaked if a rain shower passes through, and you also want enough space to move around, eat, and celebrate.

Which boat is best suited for a wedding?

For most weddings, a salon boat is the obvious choice. Why? Because a wedding demands more than just a nice view. You need space for a dinner, a bar, music, and the company of your loved ones. A salon boat offers all of that.

An open canal cruise boat can be charming for a small, informal celebration, but for a full wedding with catering, speeches, and a party, it quickly falls short. On top of that, Amsterdam’s canals are busy in summer and unpredictable in terms of weather during spring and autumn. With a salon boat, you’re always covered.

If you want to get married on a boat in Amsterdam, it’s worth knowing that not every operator has boats large enough for a complete wedding. Most providers in Amsterdam only have small vessels or compact salon boats for ten to twenty people. We are one of the few operators in Amsterdam with boats large enough for a full wedding celebration.

How many people can fit on a salon boat for a wedding?

That depends on the boat you choose. On Amsterdam’s canals, boats can carry a maximum of 60 people due to the width of the canals and local regulations. For larger groups, you can opt for bigger vessels that sail on the IJ or the IJsselmeer, where 150 or even more guests can come aboard.

A handy overview:

  • Small wedding (up to 30 people): compact salon boat on the canals
  • Medium-sized wedding (30 to 60 people): larger salon boat on the canals
  • Large wedding (60 to 150+ people): larger vessel on the IJ or IJsselmeer

The great thing about a boat is that your group is always together. You have the boat entirely to yourselves — no other guests on board — and everyone naturally ends up in the same space. That creates an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate in a conventional event venue.

What does it cost to rent a boat for a wedding in Amsterdam?

The price of a wedding package on the water depends on several factors: the size of the boat, the duration of the cruise, the number of guests, and what is arranged on board. Think catering, drinks, a host, and any extras such as music or decoration.

As a general guideline:

  • Drinks cruise: from approximately 50 to 60 euros per person for 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Walking dinner on board: from approximately 110 to 120 euros per person for 3 hours
  • Served sit-down dinner: from approximately 120 to 130 euros per person for 3 to 4 hours

For a wedding, it is common to put together a tailor-made package. That way, you pay for exactly what you want, without unnecessary extras. For an exact quote, it’s best to contact your chosen operator directly.

What can be arranged on board for a wedding?

More than you might expect. A good operator takes care of not only the boat and the skipper, but can also handle all the catering. Think of:

  • Appetizers and drinks upon arrival
  • A walking dinner or buffet
  • A served multi-course dinner
  • High tea as an afternoon program
  • A bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • A host or hostess on board
  • Music via a sound system or space for a live performer

In short: it is entirely possible to organize the complete wedding experience on the water, from the welcome drink to dessert — leaving you as a couple with nothing else to worry about.

How far in advance do you need to book a boat for a wedding?

When it comes to weddings, the rule is: the earlier, the better. The most popular months for waterside weddings in Amsterdam are May, June, July, and September. These dates are often fully booked early in the year.

As a general rule of thumb:

  • Summer months (May to September): book at least 6 to 12 months in advance
  • Autumn and spring: 3 to 6 months in advance is usually sufficient
  • Winter: a little more flexibility, but the same advice applies: don’t wait too long

In 2026, demand for unique wedding venues in Amsterdam is once again high. A boat is a one-of-a-kind choice that is growing increasingly popular, so don’t be caught off guard by a fully booked calendar.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with a wedding on the water

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we know better than anyone what goes into planning a wedding on the water. We are one of the few operators in Amsterdam with boats large enough for a complete wedding celebration, while most competitors make do with small vessels or compact salon boats. What we offer:

  • Salon boats and larger vessels for groups of 10 to 150+ people
  • Fully private use of the boat — no other guests on board
  • All-inclusive packages with custom catering, from appetizers to a served sit-down dinner
  • Experienced skipper, host, or hostess included
  • Electric, quiet vessels for a relaxed and sustainable experience
  • Sailing areas on the canals, the IJ, and the IJsselmeer

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about who we are or send us a no-obligation inquiry and we’ll be happy to think along with you.

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