Oosterdok and the Maritime Museum
The historic heart of the harbour, with the replica ship Amsterdam and the copper roof of NEMO in view.
Sailing area
Getting married on the IJ
The IJ is the open water directly behind Amsterdam Central Station: a broad fairway, ferries, cranes and a skyline that tilts from historic to contemporary. It is the sailing area for larger parties and for couples who want space, light and a view of the city from the water.
- The IJ lies directly behind Amsterdam Central Station and links the city to the IJmeer.
- On the IJ we sail saloon boats and classic sailing ships, for 20 to 200 guests.
- The open water allows a ceremony on deck and sunset photographs above the skyline.
- Boarding quays include the Oosterdok, the Houthavens and the NDSM wharf.
The route
What you see from the IJ
The IJ is a working harbour and at the same time the widest urban stage in Amsterdam. The route moves between historic quays and new architecture.
Central Station and the ferries
The busiest stretch of water in the city. Lively, with the station's neo-renaissance facade seen from the water.
NDSM and the Houthavens
Former shipyards, cranes and warehouses. Raw, industrial and photogenic in late light.
Towards the IJmeer
Beyond the Oranjesluizen the water opens up. Ideal when the party moves outward.
Ceremony
A ceremony on deck with the city behind you
On the IJ there is room to move out of the fairway and hold the ceremony in the open air, with the skyline as backdrop. Aboard a classic sailing ship the vows can be spoken under hoisted sail.
Because the IJ can host larger groups, this is the sailing area for weddings from sixty guests upwards. Where one ship is too small, two ships sail together: one for dinner, one as the dance floor.
- Ceremony on deck, in the open air
- Suitable for 20 to 200 guests
- Sunset above the skyline
- Two ships together for up to 400 guests
Practical
The IJ in brief
| Subject | On the IJ |
|---|---|
| Guests | 20 to 200, up to 400 with two ships |
| Ships | Classic sailing ships and larger saloon boats |
| Character | Open harbour water, skyline, abundant light |
| Weather | More exposed than the canals: in strong wind we choose a sheltered route |
| Boarding | Oosterdok, Houthavens, NDSM wharf and the Passenger Terminal |
The IJ is busy with commercial traffic and ferries; our own skippers know the fairway and plan the route around it.
Frequently asked
Marrying on the IJ
How many guests can join on the IJ?
A classic sailing ship carries 20 to 200 guests. For larger weddings we deploy two ships, together up to around 400 guests.
Can you marry under sail on the IJ?
Yes, on the open stretch of the IJ the sails can be hoisted. For a longer sail we recommend continuing to the IJmeer or Markermeer.
What happens in strong wind?
The skipper chooses a sheltered route, for instance the Oosterdok or back into the canals. The wedding continues; only the sailing area shifts.
Where do guests board for the IJ?
Usually at the Oosterdok or the Houthavens, both close to Amsterdam Central. The NDSM wharf is an alternative for guests staying north of the water.
Read on
More around the IJ
- See a wedding on the IJmeer
Open water towards Pampus, Muiden and Vuurtoreneiland.
- See a wedding in the Amsterdam canals
The sheltered alternative in the heart of the city.
- View the classic sailing ships in the fleet
Ships for 20 to 200 guests, with capacity and layout.
- Read how a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam works
Ceremony, timings, weather and cost explained.