Imagine this: You’re standing on a charming stone bridge, the soft murmur of water beneath you, historic facades glowing in the golden evening light. A violin plays in the distance, and your love story is about to begin—right here, in Bruges.
Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North,” is a dreamy destination for a wedding. With its fairytale canals, medieval charm, and intimate ambiance, it offers couples a setting straight out of a romance novel. If you’ve been considering tying the knot in this enchanting city, here’s everything you need to know—venues, photography spots, boat ceremonies, and some secret tips to make your day magical.
💒 Best Wedding Venues Along the Canals of Bruges
Whether you dream of an elegant mansion wedding, a cozy riverside restaurant, or even a floating ceremony on the canals, Bruges has it all. Here are some stunning wedding locations to consider:
1️⃣ Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce – The Ultimate Fairytale Spot
💖 Why we love it: Right at the water’s edge, this boutique hotel is the definition of romance. Think stained glass, vintage charm, and a setting so perfect that it looks like a movie set.
📍 Location: Wollestraat 41-47, Bruges
🌐 Official Website
2️⃣ Hotel Van Cleef – A Luxurious Canal-Side Mansion
💎 Why we love it: A hidden gem where luxury meets old-world charm. The intimate terrace overlooking the canals makes for a breathtaking ceremony backdrop.
📍 Location: Molenmeers 11, Bruges
🌐 Official Website
3️⃣ De Halve Maan Brewery – For a Fun, Belgian-Style Wedding
🍻 Why we love it: Want a wedding with a touch of Belgian beer culture? This historic brewery offers rustic, canal-view event spaces, plus award-winning beer for your toast.
📍 Location: Walplein 26, Bruges
🌐 Official Website
4️⃣ A Canal Boat Wedding – Say “I Do” While Floating
🚤 Why we love it: Imagine exchanging vows as you glide along the medieval canals, passing under romantic bridges and alongside historic facades. Several companies offer private wedding boat rentals—a unique and intimate option.
🌐 Check Private Boat Rentals Here
📸 Best Photo Spots Along the Canals
No wedding is complete without capturing the magic! Bruges offers stunning photography locations, but here are the absolute best:
✨ Rozenhoedkaai – The most famous (and most Instagrammable) spot, especially at sunset. 💡 Pro Tip: Come early in the morning for fewer tourists!
✨ Bonifacius Bridge – A charming, storybook-like bridge with an incredible backdrop of historic buildings.
✨ Dijver Canal – A peaceful, tree-lined canal perfect for dreamy couple portraits.
✨ Minnewater (Lake of Love) – If you believe in wedding day superstitions, local legend says couples who kiss here will stay together forever.
📅 Best Time to Get Married in Bruges
Bruges is stunning all year round, but each season brings its own charm:
🌸 Spring (April – June): Blooming flowers, mild weather, fewer crowds—a picture-perfect season!
☀️ Summer (July – August): Warm days, vibrant canal reflections, but also peak tourist season. Pro tip: opt for a weekday wedding for a more private experience.
🍂 Autumn (September – November): The most romantic season with golden foliage and cozy canal-side settings.
❄️ Winter (December – February): Dreaming of a Christmas wedding? Bruges turns into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive markets, and snow-covered rooftops.
💰 Costs & Legal Tips for a Bruges Wedding
If you’re not a Belgian resident, you may need to have a symbolic ceremony rather than an official one. Many couples legally marry in their home country and then have a romantic ceremony and celebration in Bruges.
💵 Estimated Costs:
- Venue rental: €2,000 – €10,000 (depending on location and size)
- Canal boat rental: €500 – €1,500
- Photographer (like yours truly 😉): Starting at €1,500
- Wedding dinner per guest: €50 – €150
📜 Legal Checklist:
- Contact the local municipality for marriage requirements.
- Some venues can help organize a legal wedding, but most couples prefer symbolic ceremonies.
🚀 Hidden Gems & Local Tips
✔ Secret Photo Spot: Head to Vismarkt (Fish Market) early in the morning for a romantic, tourist-free shoot with historic arches as your backdrop.
✔ The Best First Dance Spot: Consider dancing under the archways of the Burg Square at night, with the soft glow of lanterns around you.
✔ Where to Celebrate After the Wedding: Try De Garre—a hidden bar down a tiny alley, famous for its three-tiered Belgian beer.
🙋♀️ FAQ – Your Bruges Wedding Questions Answered
❓ Can we legally get married in Bruges if we’re not Belgian residents?
✅ It’s complicated but possible! Most international couples opt for a symbolic ceremony instead.
❓ Can we have a small, intimate wedding?
✅ Absolutely! Bruges is perfect for elopements and micro-weddings—just you, your closest loved ones, and the magic of the canals.
❓ Is Bruges expensive for weddings?
✅ It depends! While luxury venues exist, there are plenty of affordable options, especially if you choose a smaller venue or a weekday wedding.
📷 Capturing Your Wedding in Bruges
Your wedding in Bruges isn’t just a day—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime story, and it deserves to be captured beautifully. That’s where I come in!
🌟 As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the magic, intimacy, and emotions of your big day—whether it’s along the canals, inside a medieval castle, or on a private boat at sunset. Let’s make your dream wedding last forever through breathtaking photos.
📸 Explore my wedding stories & portfolio here:
➡️ Blog & Inspiration
💍 Check out my wedding photography packages:
➡️ Pricing & Packages
📩 Let’s start planning your dream wedding shoot in Bruges!
➡️ Contact me here
Bruges is waiting to be the backdrop to your love story. Are you ready to say “I do” in the Venice of the North? 💙✨
