Preparation · 1 August 2026 · 9 min read
What does marrying on a boat in Amsterdam cost? Here's how the price is built up
The question that arises in almost every first conversation: what does marrying on a boat in Amsterdam cost? The honest answer is that the price consists of a small number of clear items. Once you know them, you can steer your budget without compromising the atmosphere.
by Elise Rijkes
Why costs differ so much between weddings
No two weddings on the water are the same, and the same applies to cost. Vessel type, cruising area, guest numbers, season and day of the week all influence the final budget. Where one wedding revolves around a compact canal cruise with a small guest list, another revolves around a full day of sailing on the Markermeer with a hundred guests.
Precisely because there are so many variables, we prefer to work with an open budget per cost item, so couples can see exactly where the money goes and where there's still room to adjust.
The four main cost items
First, the vessel itself, including crew and fuel, usually calculated per part of the day or per full day. Second, catering, from canapés on departure to a full multi-course dinner during the cruise. Third, drinks, settled by consumption or as a fixed package for the whole day. Fourth, styling: flowers, music and photography.
There are also smaller, often underestimated items: the boarding and disembarking point, waiting time at locks and bridges, any extension hours at the end of the evening, and transfers for guests collected from a hotel or central location.
Vessel hire: what this amount depends on
The hire price of a vessel is closely linked to vessel type and required crew. A classic tall ship with deck and hold requires more crew than a saloon boat of comparable size, simply because there's more to manage on board while sailing, from handling the sails to overseeing safety on deck.
The duration of the cruise also plays a part. A sailing day on the Markermeer often lasts longer than a canal route in the city centre, and therefore requires a longer part of the day than a compact cruise through the city.
Catering and drinks
Catering costs are determined by the number of courses, the number of guests and the complexity of the dishes to be prepared on board. A vessel with a fully equipped galley can serve a more elaborate dinner than a vessel where dishes are largely pre-prepared and only finished on board.
For drinks, there is often a choice between settling by consumption or a fixed package per guest for the whole day. On a longer sailing day, such as on the Markermeer, a fixed package is often more economical, since guests on open water generally drink more than during a shorter canal cruise.
Styling, flowers, music and photography
Styling on board differs from styling on land, since wind and limited space must be taken into account. Compact flower arrangements with sturdy stems are often just as costly as large arrangements on land, yet produce an entirely different result suited to the setting.
Music and photography are usually settled per part of the day or per hour, and costs depend on the desired line-up, from a single acoustic musician to a full band for the evening celebration.
Where differences between quotes come from
When couples compare several quotes, the amounts often vary considerably, even for vessels of comparable size. That difference usually lies in the crew, the duration of the cruise and whether catering and drinks are included in the base amount.
The season also matters greatly. Saturdays between May and September are the most sought after and therefore the most expensive, while a Thursday in April or a day in October often offers more room in both schedule and budget.
Steering budget wisely without compromising atmosphere
Choose a smaller party on a larger vessel rather than a larger party on a smaller vessel. That gives more room per guest for the same hire price. Move the celebration to the evening and keep the afternoon intimate with only the closest circle, so catering costs for the elaborate dinner remain limited to a smaller group.
Also choose a weekday date or a day outside peak season. That saves not only on vessel hire but often on the rates of photographers, florists and musicians too, who are busiest and therefore most expensive on summer Saturdays.
A transparent budget as the starting point
We always draw up an open budget per item, so you can see exactly where your money goes and where there's room to adjust without the atmosphere of the day suffering. This prevents surprises later and brings peace of mind during preparation.
As dedicated wedding planner, Elise Rijkes actively considers where budget has the greatest impact, so every euro visibly contributes to the experience of the day, rather than disappearing into items barely noticed afterwards.
"Know the four main items and you can steer your budget without compromising atmosphere."
Frequently asked questions
- What is the largest cost item when marrying on a boat?
- Usually vessel hire, including crew and fuel, is the largest single item, followed by catering. The exact ratio depends on guest numbers and the duration of the cruise.
- Is marrying on a classic tall ship more expensive than on a saloon boat?
- Often yes, since a classic tall ship needs more crew and sailing times on the Markermeer are generally longer than a compact canal route with a saloon boat.
- When is marrying on a boat cheaper?
- A weekday, a date outside peak season, and a smaller party on a suitably sized vessel reduce costs considerably without compromising the atmosphere of the day.
- Are drinks usually included in the vessel hire?
- Not as standard. Drinks are often settled separately, by consumption or as a fixed package per guest. It's wise to have this clearly set out in the quote beforehand.
- Can a wedding planner help manage the budget?
- Yes, a dedicated wedding planner draws up an open budget per item and actively considers where adjustments can be made without compromising the experience of the day.
- How far ahead should I book to save on costs?
- Booking early gives more choice in popular seasons, but those flexible with their date can sometimes benefit from last-minute room in the schedules of vessels and suppliers.
In the mood to talk it through?
One dedicated point of contact, from first idea to the final mooring line.
Plan a conversation
