As Amsterdam prepares to host WorldPride in 2026, a unique event will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Netherlands becoming the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. In a project titled 'Marry on the Ferry', five queer couples will have the opportunity to renew their wedding vows aboard one of the city's public ferries, reports Parool.
The ceremonies will take place on the top deck of the GVB ferry during its regular 12-minute crossing from Amsterdam Centraal to the NDSM wharf. While not legally binding, the renewals will be a public affirmation of love, officiated by drag queen Lady Heineken. The proceedings will be broadcast over the ferry's speaker system, turning a routine commute into a shared celebration for all passengers on board.
More Than Just a Party
The initiative is a collaboration between media agency Publicis Groupe and partners including GVB, the Up and Out LGBTQ+ business network, and the Reguliersdwarsstraat business association. The choice of a public ferry is deliberate. "The ferry is the most accessible boat there is, used by thousands of people every day," explained Rogier de Brouwers of Publicis Groupe. "It seemed like a beautiful place to celebrate the opening up of marriage."
The event also carries a serious message. Organizers aim to draw attention to the fact that LGBTQ+ rights are under increasing pressure globally. "We see that equal rights are under threat all over the world. That is precisely why we wanted to do this action in a public space," de Brouwers added. To ensure a supportive environment, the LGBTQ+ safety platform Report it Always (Rita) will have an awareness team on board during the crossings.
How to Participate and Continue the Celebration
Couples who are already legally married and wish to renew their vows can apply starting Monday, 13 July, through the 'Marry on the Ferry' website. The ceremonies are scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, 25 July 2026, with exact times to be confirmed.
After the ferry ride, the celebration will move to the heart of Amsterdam's queer nightlife, the Reguliersdwarsstraat. The five couples and their guests will gather at the Rita community center for cake and toasts. Following the reception, they will be taken on a tour of several local venues, including the Taboo Bar and Club Exit, to continue the festivities and support the city's queer-owned businesses.
The event is one of many planned for WorldPride Amsterdam, which runs from 25 July to 8 August 2026, marking a significant anniversary for marriage equality in the city where it all began.
