Fort Island Pampus
A UNESCO fort in the middle of the water with its own jetty. Ceremony in the vaults or on deck off its shore.
Sailing area
Getting married on the IJmeer
Beyond the Oranjesluizen lies the IJmeer: open water with Fort Island Pampus, Vuurtoreneiland and the fortified town of Muiden within reach. Here the city disappears behind the horizon and the wedding day becomes a voyage, with an island or a castle as its waypoint.
- The IJmeer lies between Amsterdam, Muiden and the Markermeer.
- On the IJmeer we sail classic sailing ships, for 20 to 200 guests.
- Fort Island Pampus, Vuurtoreneiland and Muiderslot castle all border this water.
- Open water: suitable for a ceremony under sail and for large parties.
Destinations
Where the IJmeer leads
The IJmeer is not a route but an area: you choose a destination and the day arranges itself around it.
Vuurtoreneiland
An uninhabited nature island with a greenhouse as dining room. Small in scale, vast in atmosphere.
Muiden and Muiderslot
The fortified town and medieval castle at the mouth of the Vecht, an hour's sail from Amsterdam.
Durgerdam and the dyke
Wooden houses along the Waterland dyke, its bell tower a landmark from the water.
Ceremony
Vows under sail
On the IJmeer the ship can sail fully under canvas. The engine goes off, the rig stands and the ceremony is spoken against water and wind. For many couples this is why they choose a sailing ship.
If you prefer to marry ashore, the IJmeer combines beautifully: ceremony at Pampus or Muiderslot, dinner on board during the return leg and dancing on the ship as the city comes back into view.
- Ceremony under sail, engine off
- Mooring at Pampus, Muiden or Vuurtoreneiland
- Suitable for 20 to 200 guests
- Dinner on board during the return to Amsterdam
Practical
The IJmeer in brief
| Subject | On the IJmeer |
|---|---|
| Guests | 20 to 200 aboard a classic sailing ship |
| Ships | Tjalks, klippers and other classic sailing ships |
| Sailing time | About an hour from Amsterdam to Muiden or Pampus |
| Character | Open water, wind, space and islands |
| Combination | Ceremony ashore on an island, dinner and party on board |
Mooring at Pampus, Vuurtoreneiland or Muiden requires reservation and a precise timeline; your wedding planner arranges it.
Frequently asked
Marrying on the IJmeer
How long is the sail from Amsterdam to Pampus or Muiden?
About an hour, depending on ship, wind and waiting time at the Oranjesluizen. There and back fits within an eight-hour wedding day.
Can we marry on an island and dine on board?
Yes. A popular structure is the ceremony at Fort Island Pampus or Muiderslot, followed by dinner and dancing on board during the return leg.
What happens if there is too much wind?
The skipper decides on the day. In strong wind we stay on the IJ or in the shelter of the city; the programme on board is unchanged.
Is the IJmeer suitable for large weddings?
Yes, together with the IJ this is the area for large parties: up to 200 guests on one sailing ship, and more with a second ship alongside.
Read on
More on open water
- See a wedding on the Markermeer
Sailing on towards Marken, Volendam and Hoorn.
- See a wedding on the IJ
Open water with the Amsterdam skyline as backdrop.
- View the locations and boarding quays ashore
Pampus, Muiden, Vuurtoreneiland and Durgerdam.
- Explore an outdoor wedding ceremony
Vows in the open air, on deck or ashore.