Which boats are suitable for getting married on in Amsterdam?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A wedding on the water in Amsterdam: it doesn’t get much more romantic than this. The canals, the canal houses, the soft sound of water beneath the boat. But how do you go about planning something like this? Which boat suits your celebration, how many guests can come aboard, and what does it actually cost? In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about getting married on a boat in Amsterdam, so you can start planning with a clear head.

What types of boats are suitable for a wedding in Amsterdam?

Not every boat is suited for a wedding. You want space, atmosphere, and comfort — especially if you plan to eat, drink, and dance. The most popular choice for a wedding on the water is the salon boat: a classic, covered vessel with large windows, an interior lounge, and often an open deck. Ideal for both the ceremony and the celebration that follows.

There are also luxury event boats specifically designed for parties and private events. These boats offer more space, a better sound system, and sometimes even a dance floor. For small, intimate weddings, a city tender or a smaller salon boat can also be wonderfully charming, though space will be more limited.

Something important to know: most boat operators in Amsterdam only offer small motorboats or smaller salon boats. We are one of the few operators in Amsterdam with boats large enough for a full wedding, including dinner, ceremony, and celebration. That makes a significant difference when you want to cruise with a larger group.

View our options for getting married on a boat in Amsterdam for an overview of the boats we use for weddings.

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

That depends greatly on the boat and on what you want to do on board. On the Amsterdam canals, a maximum capacity of 60 persons per boat applies, due to the width of the canals and the bridges. If you want to cruise with a larger group, you can combine multiple boats or choose a larger vessel that sails outside the canals — for example, on the IJ or toward the IJmeer.

For a wedding with a seated dinner, you should account for somewhat fewer guests than the maximum capacity, as tables and chairs take up more space than standing guests. A boat that can technically carry 60 people is comfortably suited for around 40 to 50 guests when a full sit-down dinner is served.

What does it cost to get married on a boat in Amsterdam?

The cost of a wedding on a boat depends on several factors: the size of the boat, the number of guests, the duration of the cruise, and what you want on board. Think catering, drinks, decoration, and possibly a live band or DJ.

As a general indication, you can expect the following price ranges:

  • 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 on board (3 to 4 hours): from approximately €120 to €130 per person
  • High tea cruise (2 hours): from approximately €75 to €80 per person

These prices are indicative and based on a group of approximately 50 people. For a fully customized wedding with specific wishes regarding catering and decoration, a tailored quote is always the best approach. View our packages and arrangements for a first impression of what is possible.

Can you officially get married on a boat in Amsterdam?

Yes, you can. In Amsterdam, it is possible to officially get married on a boat, provided the boat is moored in the harbor or alongside a quay at the time of the ceremony. A moving boat is not considered a fixed location under Dutch law, which makes it difficult for the civil registrar to conduct the ceremony.

The most common solution is to hold the official ceremony on shore, or on the boat while it is moored, and then set off for the celebratory cruise. Some couples also opt for a symbolic ceremony on board — without legal validity — and arrange the official marriage registration separately with the municipality.

Want to make sure everything is properly arranged? Contact both the City of Amsterdam and the boat operator well in advance, so the logistics align and the boat is in the right place at the right time.

What route do wedding boats take through Amsterdam?

The classic wedding route winds along Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals: the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. You pass picturesque canal houses, historic bridges, and the vibrant city center — but from an entirely different perspective than you’d have as a pedestrian.

In addition to the canal route, there are also scenic options along the Amstel, the IJ, or toward the Eastern Docklands. For couples looking for something more adventurous, a cruise toward the Zaanse Schans or the IJmeer can be a truly special experience. Our skippers know the city inside out and are happy to tailor the route to your wishes and the time of day, ensuring you’re in the most beautiful spots at the most beautiful moments.

What do you need to arrange for a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam?

A wedding on a boat requires a little more preparation than a celebration in a venue. Here is a handy overview of what you need to arrange:

  • Book your date and boat: popular dates in April, May, June, and September fill up quickly. Start planning at least six months in advance.
  • Catering: decide whether you want a walking dinner, a sit-down dinner, a buffet, or drinks with appetizers. Discuss this early with the boat operator.
  • Official marriage registration: arrange the civil registrar and the ceremony location with the City of Amsterdam well ahead of time.
  • Inform your guests: clearly communicate where the boat departs, as boarding locations can vary by vessel.
  • Decoration: discuss what is possible on board. Not all boats offer the same amount of space for floral arrangements, lighting, or other decorations.
  • Music and entertainment: check whether the boat has a sound system and whether there is space for a live musician or DJ.
  • Weather and season: Amsterdam in summer is beautiful, but also busy. Keep a backup plan ready in case of unexpected bad weather.

How Rederij de Nederlanden can help with your wedding on the water

Rederij de Nederlanden is one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam offering vessels large enough for a full wedding, including dinner and celebration. We take care of everything on board — from catering and drinks to skipper and host staff — so you don’t have to worry about the logistics.

  • Boats for groups of 12 to 175 people, fully private
  • Multiple catering formats: from drinks with appetizers to a fully served three-course dinner
  • Electric boats for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere on board
  • Experienced skippers who know the most beautiful routes
  • Flexible arrangements fully tailored to your wedding
  • Sailing area: Amsterdam’s canals, the Amstel, the IJ, and the surrounding region

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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