All experiences
Hen & Stag

4,9from couples who married with us

Guests toasting with champagne on the aft deck of a saloon boatCirculating canapés and bubbles on boardWedding guests at the bar on board

Hen or stag party · 6 to 30 guests · drinks, dinner or theme

A Hen or Stag Do in Style

The last celebration before the vows, done with style.

A hen or stag do doesn't have to be a raucous night out. It can also be a stylish afternoon or evening on the water: good wine, your closest friends, a route through the city and the freedom to celebrate exactly as you wish. With or without a theme, with or without fancy dress.

6 to 30 guests Recommended: 2 to 4 hours

A private two- to four-hour cruise for 6 to 30 guests, with canapés, a seated dinner or a themed evening on board. The mood is entirely yours to choose, we take care of the ship, the catering and the route.

The experience

What does a wedding day on the water feel like?

The final celebration before the vows deserves a setting that matches the rest of the weekend. No pub crawl, no forfeits with sticky tape, just a boat, the water, and the people who truly matter.

We arrange the sail, the drinks, the dinner and the styling. Fancy a chic white lunch? A sunset drinks session with a DJ? A relaxed cruise with a surprise dinner? Anything is possible, as long as it happens on the water.

The bride or groom doesn't need to arrange a thing. Guests board, the champagne is already chilled, and the city turns alongside the party for a few hours.

On arrival everyone is in exactly the right mood, whether continuing the night in the city, or heading back to the hotel to recharge for the big day.

Plan the celebration

Highlights

Which moments define the day?

  • 01A stylish hen or stag do without the clichés
  • 02Fully private, only your party on board
  • 03Drinks, dinner or a themed evening, your choice
  • 04Option for a DJ, live music or a cocktail bar
  • 05The perfect prelude to the wedding
  • 06Suited to 6 to 30 guests

The rhythm

How does the day unfold, hour by hour?

  1. 01Reception

    Boarding with bubbles

    Guests are welcomed with chilled champagne and luxury canapés on deck or in the saloon.

  2. 02Departure

    Into the city

    The boat follows a scenic route through the canals or across the IJ, depending on time and weather.

  3. 03Celebration

    Drinks, dinner or a theme

    Circulating canapés, a seated dinner or a themed evening, entirely to your taste.

  4. 04Highlight

    A toast to the bride or groom

    A shared moment for the closest friends, with room for speeches and surprises.

  5. 05The return

    Back to the quay

    The evening or afternoon ends at a quiet jetty, with the option to continue the celebration in the city.

Included

What is included?

Everything listed below is part of the arrangement: one planner, one contract, one price. We take care of every part of the day, from the first champagne to the last lantern.

  • A classic saloon boat or sloop exclusively for your party
  • A professional skipper and host or hostess
  • Welcome bubbles and luxury drinks canapés
  • Catering of your choice: drinks, dinner or a theme
  • Basic styling on board
  • Coordination of boarding and disembarkation locations

Food & drink

What will your guests eat and drink on board?

A fully catered menu on board, composed with our trusted culinary partners and tailored to your season, guest list and dietary wishes.

Welcome bubbles

Chilled champagne and a luxury welcome bite on boarding.

Drinks canapés

Circulating luxury canapés during the sail.

Seated dinner

Optional: a multi-course menu at the long table.

Cocktail bar

Optional: a craft cocktail bar with a dedicated bartender on board.

View the full menus

Decoration

How is the ship styled?

  • Basic styling with linen and candlelight
  • Optional: themed styling of your choice
  • Optional: balloons, flowers or personalised details

Entertainment

What music and entertainment are possible?

  • Background music on board
  • Optional: a DJ or live music
  • Optional: a cocktail workshop on board
  • Optional: a photographer for informal group photographs

Photography

How is the day captured?

  • Optional: a photographer on board for atmosphere shots
  • Group photographs on deck with the city in the background
  • Toasts and spontaneous moments during the sail

The ship

Which ship hosts the wedding?

One of our own ships, chartered exclusively for a single wedding. We speak of these ships as venues, not transport.

Classic Saloon Boat, Covered saloon · up to 60 guests

Classic Saloon Boat

Covered saloon · up to 60 guests

Classic Sloop, Open sloop · ideal for a first encounter or guest transfer

Classic Sloop

Open sloop · ideal for a first encounter or guest transfer

Optional upgrades

What can you add separately?

DJ or live music

A DJ set or acoustic act that sets the tone on board.

Cocktail bar with bartender

A full cocktail bar with bespoke cocktails.

A themed evening

Full styling and catering matched to a theme of your choice.

Photographer and videographer

Professional documentation of the celebration, including a short atmosphere film.

Frequently asked questions

What do couples ask us most often?

From an official ceremony on board to dietary wishes, sound, accessibility and changes in guest numbers, speak directly with our planner for any other questions.

+31 20 624 76 35
  • Does it need to be a wild party?

    Not at all. Most of our hen and stag celebrations are stylish drinks or dinners with the closest friends.

  • Can we choose a theme?

    Yes, we're happy to help with themed styling, catering and entertainment, from a white lunch to a cocktail evening.

  • Is there a minimum number of guests?

    Yes, this arrangement is available from 6 guests. The saloon boat has room for up to 30 guests for a hen or stag celebration.

  • Can it also be during the day?

    Absolutely. A lunch cruise or afternoon drinks session is just as popular as an evening celebration.

  • What if it rains?

    The saloon boat is fully covered and heated. In bad weather we simply move drinks into the saloon.

  • Can we arrange surprises?

    Yes, we're happy to coordinate surprises, from a special dessert to a surprise performance or gift moment.

  • How far in advance should we book?

    For a hen or stag celebration we recommend booking 2 to 4 months ahead, especially in season.

  • Can we continue in the city afterwards?

    Yes, we choose the disembarkation point so you can easily continue the celebration in the city.

Availability

How far in advance should you book?

Peak Saturdays from May to September are typically booked twelve to eighteen months in advance. We accept a limited number of weddings per season.

WaterbruiloftVeemarkt 185, 1019 CH AmsterdamPhone: +31 20 624 76 35Email: info@amsterdam-boats.comChamber of Commerce: 34331505