Wedding on a saloon boat in Amsterdam

Getting married on a saloon boat in Amsterdam

A saloon boat is a covered, heated ship with tall windows, wood panelling and a permanent saloon where the ceremony, the dinner and the party all take place. Where a sailing ship seeks the horizon, the saloon boat stays close to the city: through the canals, along the Amstel and out onto the IJ, with the gabled facades at arm's length. For couples who want certainty of a dry, comfortable wedding day, this is the most chosen ship in our fleet.

What makes a saloon boat special for a wedding

A saloon boat combines the backdrop of the old city with the comfort of a private room. Everything happens within a few metres, without guests having to move venue.

Weather is not a factor

The saloon is covered and heated. Rain means no plan B, only different photographs: guests watching the wet canals through tall windows.

Ceremony and dinner in one room

After the vows the chairs are turned into dinner tables. The changeover takes half an hour, while guests have a drink on deck.

In the heart of the city

The route stays within the canal belt and the Amstel. Guests board and disembark within walking distance of their hotel.

An intimate scale

With 2 to 60 guests nobody feels lost. Everyone stays within earshot of the couple all day.

The interior: saloon, deck and galley

The saloon has mahogany or oak panelling, brass detailing and windows on all sides. The layout is built for each wedding: long tables for a family dinner, separate tables for a larger group, or an open arrangement for a reception with a walking dinner.

On deck there is room for an open-air ceremony, drinks and photographs. Behind the saloon lies the galley, where dinner is cooked and plated. Crew and service staff come with the ship.

Heated saloon with views on all sides

Open deck for the ceremony, drinks and photographs

Own galley and service staff on board

Sound system for music and speeches

Capacity and character by saloon boat size

The fleet holds several saloon boats that differ in size, style and sailing area. Full specifications are on each ship's page.

Overview of saloon boat sizes for a wedding in Amsterdam
Size	Guests	Suits	Sailing area
Small	2 to 20	Intimate ceremony, elopement, proposal	Canals
Medium	20 to 40	Ceremony and dinner for family and friends	Canals, Amstel
Large	40 to 60	Complete wedding day with ceremony, dinner and party	Canals, Amstel, IJ
Historic steamship	Up to 120	Large weddings with an art deco saloon	IJ, Amstel

Two saloon boats can also sail together, for instance when part of the guest list joins only for the ceremony.

Getting married on a saloon boat

Can we hold a legal ceremony on a saloon boat?

Yes. Once the city designates the ship as a wedding venue and a registered officiant is on board, the marriage is legally valid. We arrange the designation and the application.

How many guests fit on a saloon boat?

Depending on the ship, 2 to 60 guests seated. For a standing reception the number is higher; the largest historic ship in the fleet carries up to 120 guests.

What happens if it rains?

Very little. The saloon is covered and heated and the canals are sheltered. Only the ceremony moves from the deck to inside.

Can we have dinner on board?

Yes, dinner is prepared in the galley on board: a three- or four-course menu, sharing plates or a walking dinner, served by our own staff.

How long does a wedding day on a saloon boat last?

A complete package runs eight hours, usually from late afternoon until midnight. Shorter parts of the day are available on request.

Where do guests board?

Regular boarding points include the Amstel by the Magere Brug, the Oosterdok and the Prinsengracht. We choose the quay that suits your route and your guests.