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.
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
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
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
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
Our fleet accommodates weddings from 10 to 80 seated guests. For larger celebrations of up to 200 standing guests, we offer the Hoop op Behoud, a historic ship with space for a full reception and dance floor.
Prices depend on the boat, duration, and catering package. As a guideline, expect EUR 75 to EUR 150 per person for a dinner cruise wedding, and EUR 45 to EUR 85 per person for a reception drinks package. Your wedding planner provides a detailed quote after the first consultation.
Yes. The municipality of Amsterdam allows legal marriage ceremonies on registered vessels. Your wedding planner helps with the paperwork and coordinates with the trouwambtenaar (registered officiant) to ensure everything is in order.
All our salon boats are fully enclosed and heated, making them suitable year-round. A winter wedding on the canals has its own character: low golden light, frost on the bridges, and a cosy cabin atmosphere that draws guests closer together.
Our guests rate us 9.1 out of 3,800 reviews
Intimate ceremony or large wedding celebration on the water?
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 boatsLarge 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 boatsOur boats for weddings
Below is a list of boats suitable for wedding receptions.
Anna Maria
€323.00
371 ratings
Hoop op Behoud
€319.00
2 ratings
Marie Zurlohe
€275.00
399 ratings
Watertoerist
€315.00
24 ratings