Marken
The former island of wooden houses on piles, with its lighthouse. A short walk for guests between ceremony and dinner.
Sailing area
Getting married on the Markermeer
The Markermeer is the largest water in our sailing area: an inland sea with Marken, Volendam and Hoorn along its shores and a horizon broken only by sails. For couples who want to sail a full day and experience their wedding as a voyage, it begins here.
- The Markermeer lies beyond the IJmeer, between Marken, Volendam, Hoorn and Lelystad.
- Here we sail classic sailing ships, for 20 to 200 guests.
- Fully open water: long sails and ceremonies under canvas are possible.
- Historic harbours such as Marken, Volendam and Hoorn can serve as destinations.
Destinations
Harbours and horizon on the Markermeer
The Markermeer is large enough to sail a full day without seeing the same shore twice. Every harbour around it is historic.
Volendam
A lively harbour with a dyke full of terraces. Practical for guests joining from shore.
Hoorn
A seventeenth-century harbour town with its Hoofdtoren. Further away, but the essence of a day entirely on the water.
The open inland sea
No mooring, only water and sail. For couples who want their vows far from any shore.
The day
A wedding that unfolds as a voyage
On the Markermeer the wedding day becomes a journey. A morning through the IJ and the locks, the ceremony under sail around midday, an afternoon harbour call and dinner on board towards sunset as the ship sails home.
Because distances are greater, we plan with a more generous timeline. Your wedding planner aligns the route with wind, guest count and the moment the vows should fall.
- A full day of sailing, with the ceremony on open water
- Harbour call at Marken, Volendam or Hoorn possible
- Dinner and dancing on board during the return
- Suitable for 20 to 200 guests
Practical
The Markermeer in brief
| Subject | On the Markermeer |
|---|---|
| Guests | 20 to 200 aboard a classic sailing ship |
| Ships | Tjalks and klippers, built for open water |
| Sailing time | Two to three hours from Amsterdam to the open sea |
| Character | Wide, windswept and without an urban backdrop |
| Duration | Usually a full day of eight hours or more |
In persistent heavy wind we move to the IJmeer or the IJ; the ceremony and the programme on board remain unchanged.
Frequently asked
Marrying on the Markermeer
How far is the Markermeer from Amsterdam?
Two to three hours of sailing, including the IJ and the Oranjesluizen. That is why we usually plan a full day of eight hours or more here.
Can you moor in Marken, Volendam or Hoorn?
Yes. A harbour call is possible and reserved in advance, so guests can step ashore for a walk or a ceremony on land.
Do the ships actually sail or run on the engine?
On the Markermeer we genuinely sail as soon as the wind allows. The engine stays available to keep the timeline.
Can guests get seasick?
The Markermeer is inland water with a short swell; serious seasickness is rare. In rough weather the skipper chooses a more sheltered area.
Read on
More on the inland sea
- See a wedding on the IJmeer
Pampus, Muiden and Vuurtoreneiland an hour away.
- See a wedding on the IJ
Open water with the Amsterdam skyline as backdrop.
- See what a wedding on a boat costs
What the complete € 10,000 arrangement includes.
- View the wedding experiences on board
Complete weddings for 20 to 200 guests.