Distinctly Amsterdam in character
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Classic SloopsWedding venue on the water
Brouwerij 't IJ Beer Boat: HMS Friendship
Amsterdam craft beer, the boat for the wedding weekend.
Getting married on the Brouwerij 't IJ Beer Boat: HMS Friendship: up to 12 guests on board this classic sloop, at €10,000 all-in for a fully curated eight-hour wedding day including ceremony, catering, drinks, styling, sound and your own wedding planner. An open sloop for spring and summer, ideal for a first look, drinks cruise or guest transfer. The vessel is chartered exclusively for you and never shared. Cruising area: The canal ring, the Amstel and the IJ, spring through autumn.
up to 12 guestsClassic SloopsOpen sloopSpring & summer
The story
A private charter, exclusively yours.
The HMS Friendship, in partnership with Brouwerij 't IJ, is an atmospheric sloop for wedding weekends where Amsterdam and craft take centre stage — a welcome drinks cruise for guests arriving from abroad, for instance.
This sloop sails with a curated selection of 't IJ beers and warm bites on board. Perfect for the day before the wedding, when guests from abroad arrive and you wish to show them Amsterdam from the water.
Why couples choose Brouwerij 't IJ Beer Boat: HMS Friendship
Moments that can only happen on board.
Ideal for international guests
A relaxed, convivial atmosphere
Suited to
Who is Brouwerij 't IJ Beer Boat: HMS Friendship the right wedding venue for?
Perfect as a welcome drinks cruise for international guests, or as a relaxed close to the day after brunch.
Wedding use
Ceremony
Dinner
Reception
Dance party
- Civil ceremony
- Symbolic ceremony
- Reception
- Luxury dinner
- Walking dinner
- Cocktail drinks
- Evening celebration
- Live music
- DJ
- Dance party
- Family wedding
- Destination wedding
- Elopement
Anything missing here, or any extra wishes you have, we're happy to discuss, every wedding is composed personally.
On board
What you and your guests will find on board.
Open deck
A fully open sloop, ideal for a first-look or summer drinks on the water.
Dinner setup
Room for a seated chef's dinner for up to 8 guests.
Aft deck
Open deck for the ceremony, golden-hour photos and evening toasts.
Wheelhouse
Manned by a professional skipper, discreetly present, always at your service.
Retractable canopy
A pull-out canopy for rain or hot sun, beautifully lit.
Specifications
Capacity, crew and amenities.
The practical details of Brouwerij 't IJ Beer Boat: HMS Friendship, including skipper and hostess. Elise Rijkes, your dedicated wedding planner, is happy to talk you through them personally.
| Capacity | up to 12 guests |
|---|---|
| Dinner capacity | up to 8 seated |
| Reception capacity | up to 12 standing |
| Crew | Skipper & hostess included |
| Heating | Optional deck heating |
| Climate | Open air |
| Restrooms | Not on board |
| Power supply | 230V, suited to band & catering |
| Sound system | Professional system with microphones |
| Accessibility | Limited accessibility |
| Covered space | Partly covered with canopy |
| Outdoor deck | Fore and aft deck |
Culinary on board
Fine dining on the water.
We work from the Amsterdam Boats catering collection: from a refined chef's dinner to a walking dinner and late-night bites, every menu is tailored to the vessel, your season and guest list.
Suited on board
A selection of 't IJ beers
Suited on board
Warm bites
Suited on board
Bitterballen and aged cheese
Recommended menu line
A 't IJ beer tasting
Recommended menu line
Bitterballen and aged cheese
Recommended menu line
Amsterdam herring on toast
Moment
Welcome drink on arrival
Moment
Open bar with wine pairing
Moment
Cocktail service on deck
Moment
Late-night bites & digestifs
Recommended concepts
Wedding experiences that bring Brouwerij 't IJ Beer Boat: HMS Friendship to life.
Salon Boat WeddingIntimate canal wedding
Ceremony, dinner and toasts on the historic canals, in one carefully composed evening.
Discover the experience
Markermeer ExperienceCeremony on the Markermeer
Vows exchanged as the horizon opens around you, a full day on open water.
Discover the experience
SignatureGrand Fleet celebration
Two vessels united, one for dinner, one for dancing beneath the stars.
Discover the experienceSuggested timeline
A fully curated wedding day on board.
- 013:30 pm
Aboard with champagne
Welcomed with champagne or a signature cocktail at the historic quay.
01 / 04 - 024:00 pm
First-look cruise
An intimate cruise through the Jordaan and the canal ring, with photographs on open water.
02 / 04 - 035:00 pm
Drinks on the canal
Craft cocktails, oysters and canapés as the sun catches the gables.
03 / 04 - 046:00 pm
Transfer to dinner
Disembarking at your dinner venue, or continuing on to a saloon boat for the evening programme.
04 / 04
Included
What is included with your floating wedding venue.
Historic vessel
Part of Amsterdam's floating heritage.
Private charter
Exclusively yours, never shared.
Professional crew
Skipper and hostess, discreet and experienced.
Luxury catering
Curated by our culinary partners.
Wedding planner
One personal event manager for the entire day.
Styling & flowers
Fully bespoke, by our atelier.
Music options
From string quartet to DJ on the aft deck.
Photography locations
An iconic route past bridges and facades.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about getting married on board.
What we're most often asked about getting married on board Brouwerij 't IJ Beer Boat: HMS Friendship.
- What if it rains?
- Most sloops are fitted with a canopy or cover. We keep a close eye on the forecast and are happy to advise on a back-up vessel should the rain persist.
- In which season does this sloop sail?
- Our sloops generally sail from April to October. In the shoulder months, we're glad to pair one with a covered saloon boat for the evening programme.
- Can it be combined with a dinner boat?
- Yes, the sloop works beautifully as a drinks cruise or first-look cruise ahead of dinner aboard one of our saloon boats.
- Is a skipper included?
- Every sloop is sailed by a professional skipper; this is included.
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