Wedding on a Boat in Amsterdam

Say your vows surrounded by Amsterdam's canals
A wedding on the water gives you something no venue on land can offer: a ceremony framed by centuries-old canal houses, soft light reflecting off the water, and the quiet hum of a city that feels like it was designed for romance. Amsterdam Boats arranges weddings aboard classic salon boats, with every detail handled by a dedicated wedding planner who knows these canals inside and out.

Pastel florals, candlelight, and a floating celebration

Picture long tables dressed in soft pink and ivory, fresh flowers catching the afternoon sun, and your guests gathered together in a warm, wood-panelled cabin. Whether you plan an intimate ceremony for twelve or a seated dinner for sixty, a canal boat wedding in Amsterdam creates a setting that photographs beautifully and feels deeply personal. The boat moves gently through the old city centre, past bridges and houseboats, giving your celebration a sense of place that a traditional venue simply cannot match.

Why couples choose a canal wedding in Amsterdam

Practical reasons matter on your wedding day. A boat wedding combines ceremony, drinks, dinner, and party in one location, so there is no need to transport guests between venues. The route along the canals provides a natural flow to your day, and experienced crew members handle navigation, service, and timing so you can focus on each other.

Wedding on a Boat in Amsterdam

Questions or booking?

Call +31 (0)20 6247635

We can help with every request

Our guests rate us 9.1 out of 3,800 reviews

Personal wedding planner included

Every wedding booking comes with a dedicated wedding planner who works with you from the first enquiry through to the last dance. They coordinate flowers, music, table arrangements, and timing so your day runs smoothly. One point of contact, no loose ends.

Quality guaranteed through selected suppliers

We work only with suppliers we have vetted over years of collaboration. Catering, floristry, photography, and entertainment are all sourced from professionals who understand the specific requirements of working on the water.

Professional and affordable

Wedding packages start from EUR 1,250 for an intimate ceremony cruise and range to EUR 4,500 for a full-day celebration with dinner, drinks, and music. You receive a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

Comfortable salon boats

Our fleet consists of electric-powered salon boats with both open and enclosed sections, heating for cooler months, onboard toilets, and sound systems. Every boat is well-maintained and decorated to suit the occasion.

Featured options

Wedding dinner cruise

Wedding dinner cruise

A three-course seated dinner served while you cruise through the canal district. White linen, candlelight, and a menu tailored to your preferences. Your wedding planner will help you choose courses, wines, and dietary accommodations for every guest.

Reception drinks on the canal

Reception drinks on the canal

Welcome your guests aboard with prosecco, craft cocktails, and canal-side canapes. A drinks reception on the water works well as a standalone celebration or as the opening act before a seated dinner. Ideal for couples who want a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Wedding buffet aboard

Wedding buffet aboard

A buffet-style dinner gives your guests freedom to mingle and move between the open deck and the cabin. Choose from Dutch, Mediterranean, or Asian-inspired menus, all prepared fresh on board or delivered hot at the departure point.

How does a wedding on the water work?

1 - First conversation and boat selection

You contact Amsterdam Boats with your preferred date, guest count, and wedding style. Your wedding planner suggests two or three boats that fit your group size and budget, and arranges a viewing if you wish.

2 - Planning your route and timeline

Together with your planner, you map out the cruise route and schedule. A typical wedding cruise lasts between two and four hours, with options to extend. The route is tailored to the time of day, the light, and the landmarks you want to pass.

3 - Catering and styling choices

You select your menu (dinner, buffet, or drinks reception), floral arrangements, table settings, and any extras such as a musician or photographer. The planner coordinates all suppliers and confirms every detail in writing.

4 - Boarding and ceremony

On the day, the boat is decorated and ready at the agreed boarding point. Guests arrive, find their seats, and the ceremony begins on the water or at the quay before departure. A registered officiant (trouwambtenaar) can perform the legal ceremony on board if arranged in advance.

5 - Cruise, dinner, and celebration

After the ceremony, the boat sets off through the canals. Drinks are served, dinner follows, and the evening unfolds naturally as the city passes by outside the windows. The crew takes care of service, navigation, and music.

6 - Disembarkation and afterparty

The boat returns to the departure point or an alternative quay of your choice. Many couples continue the evening at a nearby bar or restaurant. Your planner can recommend locations and make reservations.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Our guests rate us 9.1 out of 3,800 reviews

Intimate ceremony or large wedding celebration on the water?

Intimate ceremony

Intimate ceremony
Intimate ceremony

Personal, relaxed, close contact with all guests. Sailing aboard the Marie Zurlohe, Roerdomp or Anna Maria, with a sit-down dinner or drinks reception. The ceremony takes place whilst sailing or whilst moored. Lower total cost, higher price per person possible. Personal support from the wedding planner, direct line of communication. Ideal for those who want to keep it small and special.

View salon boats

Large wedding celebration

Large wedding celebration
Large wedding celebration

Festive, lively, with space for dancing and entertainment. On board the Dyos, Watertoerist or Hoop op Behoud, with a buffet, standing reception or full-course dinner. The ceremony takes place whilst moored at a local council wedding venue. Economies of scale for larger groups. Coordination of multiple suppliers and a bespoke itinerary. Perfect for those who want to celebrate with everyone who matters.

View large boats

Our boats for weddings

Below is a list of boats suitable for wedding receptions.

Canal boat
Per hour from

Anna Maria

€323.00

371 ratings

Max 60
More info
Canal boat
Per hour from

Bota Fogo

€336.00

407 ratings

Max 90
More info
Canal boat
Per hour from

Dyos

€310.00

30 ratings

Max 40
More info
Canal boat
Per hour from

2 ratings

Max 65
More info
Canal boat
Per hour from

HRH

€285.00

358 ratings

Max 36
More info
Canal boat
Per hour from

Marie Zurlohe

€275.00

399 ratings

Max 12
More info
Canal boat
Per hour from

Ondine

€285.00

695 ratings

Max 30
More info
Canal boat
Per hour from

Roerdomp

€295.00

81 ratings

Max 12
More info
Canal boat
Per hour from

Watertoerist

€315.00

24 ratings

Max 45
More info