A venue on the waterfront
A warehouse, restaurant or garden overlooking the water. Atmospheric, but catering, styling, technique and guest transport are usually arranged separately.
Wedding venue
A wedding venue on the water in Amsterdam
A waterfront wedding venue in Amsterdam can be a warehouse on the IJ, a garden on the Amstel or a quay in the canal belt. We approach it from the other side: our venue is on the water and it moves. This page explains the differences between a fixed waterside venue and a sailing wedding venue, and how to combine the two.
- Waterbruiloft is a sailing wedding venue: the ship is ceremony room, restaurant and ballroom in one.
- Every major waterway in Amsterdam is within reach: the canals, the Amstel, the IJ, the IJmeer and the Markermeer.
- Guests board at fixed quays in the old city, by the Maritime Museum, in the Houthavens or in Muiden.
- A sailing venue needs no separate room hire, catering or transfers: it is one package of €10,000.
- Combining with a venue ashore, for the ceremony or the party, is possible.
On or by the water
Three ways to marry by the water in Amsterdam
Couples searching for a waterfront venue find three kinds of location. They differ mostly in what still needs arranging.
A sailing wedding venue
The ship is the venue. Ceremony, dinner, party, service and decor are part of one package, and the view changes all day.
A combination of both
Ceremony at an estate or church, guests by ship to the dinner venue, party on board. We arrange the sailing and the connections.
What it gives you
Why couples choose a venue on the water
A fixed room is a backdrop that stays the same all day. A ship changes constantly: the ceremony lies still at a monumental quay, drinks pass through the canal belt, dinner looks out over the Amstel at sunset and the party comes home along the IJ skyline.
Practically it helps too. One point of contact, one invoice, one timeline. No coach transfers between ceremony and party venue, because the guests simply stay on board.
- One venue for ceremony, dinner and party
- No guest transfers between locations
- A fixed all-in price without room hire or minimum spend
- A different backdrop every hour
Comparison
A fixed waterside room or a sailing venue
| Waterfront venue | Sailing venue | |
|---|---|---|
| Backdrop | One fixed view | Changes all day |
| Catering | Often a separate or mandatory supplier | Own galley and staff on board |
| Guest transport | Arranged between venues | Guests stay on board |
| Cost | Room hire, catering, technique and styling separate | One package of €10,000 |
| Capacity | Depends on the room | 2 to 200 guests, up to 400 with two ships |
Frequently asked
Waterfront wedding venues in Amsterdam
Is a ship an officially recognised wedding venue?
Yes, once the city designates the ship as a wedding venue for your date. We handle that application as part of the package.
Can we combine a venue ashore with a ship?
You can. Many couples marry ashore and then board for drinks, dinner and the party. We match the boarding point and timeline to the ceremony venue.
Where are the boarding points?
Among others the Amstel by the Magere Brug, the Maritime Museum, the Oosterdok, the Houthavens, IJburg, Durgerdam and Muiden.
Can guests park nearby?
At boarding points outside the centre, such as the Houthavens, IJburg and Muiden, parking is straightforward. In the old city we advise P+R or taxis.
How many guests fit on a sailing venue?
From 2 to 200 guests on one ship, depending on the type. For groups up to 400 two ships sail together.
Read on
More about marrying in Amsterdam
- View the locations and boarding quays
Quays, sailing areas and venues ashore.
- Read about wedding venues in Amsterdam
The main page on marrying in the capital.
- Explore getting married on a boat
Ceremony, dinner and party on board.