Unique wedding venues in Amsterdam
With its dramatic vistas, bridges that sparkle with fairy lights and flowers around every turn, this romantic little city is perfect for a destination wedding. Aside from the dress (and, well, the spouse), choosing a venue is one of the most important decisions leading up to the big day, so we’ve selected some of Amsterdam’s most magical settings to inspire you.
Pllek
If you’re planning a laidback celebration, the rustic and unpretentious urban beach known as Pllek is the place to be. This sun-drenched spot on the bank of the IJ River is just a short ferry ride from Amsterdam. Once an exclusively industrial area, the NDSM wharf has recently been reclaimed and is now home to a lively creative community, festivals and the city's best graffiti art. Weddings can be held on the terrace against a striking backdrop of Amsterdam’s skyline or in the private room next to the restaurant.
Pllek | TT Neveritaweg 59
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
If your big day centres around a very specific theme, Amsterdam’s ARTIS Royal Zoo offers a host of weird and wonderful event spaces. Host an extravagant dinner in the zoo’s aquarium, choose one of the historic rooms of the Founder’s House or dance under the twinkling lights of the Blue Star Room. A selection of packages are available, and you’ll also get to tick 'touring the zoo in your wedding dress' off your bucket list.
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo | Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
A’DAM Tower
Brides and grooms with a head for heights can say ‘I do’ at the top of the A’DAM Tower. Receptions can be held at any one of the extravagant spaces within the tower, including the breathtaking penthouse known as ‘The Loft’ on the 16th and 17th floors. Event specialists A’DAM Events take of your every whim, and when it comes to food, the culinary geniuses behind Madam and Moon are on hand to work their magic.
A'DAM Tower | Overhoeksplein 1
Vondelkerk
The Gothic architecture of the Vondelkerk, designed by famous Amsterdam architect P.J.H. Cuypers in 1866 provides a hauntingly romantic backdrop for your ceremony. This national monument towers over the edge of the Vondelpark in Medieval grandeur with a 50-metre tower, intricate masonry and stained glass windows.
Vondelkerk | Vondelstraat 120
Hortus Botanicus
One year’s calla lily is the next year’s wildflower - the power of flowers cannot be understated. If you want to be truly surrounded in lush greenery—and don’t want to spring for a Kim and Kanye flower wall—you can hold your nuptials in Amsterdam’s botanical gardens. The Hortus Botanicus dates all the way back to the 17th century, when it was used to cultivate medicinal herbs used by the city’s doctors. Of all the settings, the palm house with its dome-shaped roof is perhaps the most spectacular.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam | Plantage Middenlaan 2A
Koepelkerk
For the most discerning bride-to-be, Amsterdam’s Koepelkerk delivers on glitzy, over the top indulgence. This premium wedding venue is considered one of the best in the Netherlands, hosting weddings for high-profile couples and events for luxury brands. Treat your guests to a cocktail reception or seated dinner under the 17th-century domed ceiling. The venue also places you in one of the prettiest parts of the Jordaan neighbourhood for canal-side photo ops.
Koepelkerk | Kattengat 1
Huize Frankendael
A country house wedding excites the hopeless romantic inside us all. Huize Frankendael is Amsterdam’s last remaining manor house from a time when wealthy residents would build summer houses on the outskirts of the city. Today, its grand dining rooms, rustic coach house and manicured gardens feature in top bridal magazines and fashion editorials.
Huize Frankendael | Middenweg 72
Westerliefde
With its exposed brick walls, high ceilings and industrial accents, the city’s former gasworks is an atmospheric location for weddings. The chapel-style windows flood the space with light, lending itself to be set up as a traditional altar for ceremonies. After that, the space easily transforms into a reception venue with professional lighting, sound systems and event partners that can provide everything from DJs to dessert bars.
Westerliefde | Klonne plein 4-6
West Indisch Huis
The former headquarters of the Dutch West India Company is every bit as opulent as you would expect from one of the earliest and most profitable companies of all time. Exchange vows in one of the four beautifully restored rooms or connect them together for a larger affair. The building encloses an exquisite courtyard perfect for outdoor gatherings on rain-free days. Full-service wedding planning and catering is available too.
West Indisch Huis | Herenmarkt 99
Restaurant De Kas
Surround yourself in bohemian greenery in the giant glasshouse that was once Amsterdam’s Municipal Nursery. De Kas is highly regarded for its creative plant-based dishes grown on-site, and also provides a spectacular leafy setting for weddings. The garden room is a popular choice for smaller groups: a private dining room that seats 20-68 guests.
Restaurant De Kas | Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3
Amsterdam beach
Tying the knot barefoot and windswept on the Dutch coastline is a romantic and unexpected option. Beach clubs in Bloemendaal and Zandvoort aan Zee are increasingly popular as wedding venues and offer packages ranging from casual bohemian gatherings to elegant nautical-themed soirees. Our favourites for décor, atmosphere and food include Rapa Nui, Safari Lodge and Tent 6.
Tip: Free weddings on Tuesdays
For a no-frills wedding in true Dutch style, the City of Amsterdam conducts free basic ceremonies on Tuesday mornings. There’s a list of conditions (no music or personal speeches and a maximum of 20 guests), should you want to forgo these for the bargain price!
