Info
A note from us
Getting there
When to arrive
We recommend arriving no later than Thursday, 13 August, so you have time to settle in before the weekend begins. Friday evening opens with a canal cruise at half past five — you won't want to miss it.
Amsterdam is worth an extra day. Arrive early and explore at your own pace.
Where to stay
Amsterdam's canal ring is compact, and Hotel De L'Europe sits at its heart. A few options within easy reach of the venue:
Tivoli Doelen
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2–14 — steps from the venue, with canal views and a long history in Amsterdam. Our first recommendation.
Residence Le Coin
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 5 — private apartments on the same street, well-suited for those staying a few nights.
Hotel Nes
Nes 5–23 — a boutique hotel a short walk west of the venue, in the heart of the old city.
Amsterdam's canal ring is compact — any hotel between Leidseplein and Waterlooplein puts you within easy walking distance.
From Schiphol airport
Trains run eight times per hour between Amsterdam Schiphol airport and Amsterdam Centraal, departing directly from the terminal. A single ticket costs roughly €6 and the journey takes about 17 minutes.
From Centraal, it is a pleasant 20-minute walk south down the Damrak to Hotel De L’Europe. Taxis and Ubers are readily available if you prefer.
Saturday evening
We’ll arrange transportation for all guests between the ceremony and the reception at Freddy’s Bar. We’ll share details closer to the date.
The gap between ceremony and reception gives you time to return to your hotel, refresh, and arrive at the reception at your leisure.
Getting around Amsterdam
Walking is often the fastest way to move through the historic center — distances are short and the streets are worth it. City trams (called GVB) cover the rest; day passes run about €9.
Canal boat tours and bike rentals are everywhere for those who want to explore on their own terms.
Note — US citizens do not need a travel visa or ETIAS permit for this trip. That requirement does not start until late 2026.
A few things worth knowing
We recommend arriving Thursday the 13th or Friday the 14th at the latest. The weekend begins Friday evening with a canal cruise at half past five and a welcome party at seven. Arriving a day early gives you time to settle in, explore the city, and be genuinely present when things begin.
Friday — White party attire. Since there is no bride at this wedding, everyone gets to wear white. Have fun with it.
Saturday — Black tie or dressy cocktail. Gentlemen in a tux or a sharp summer suit. Ladies in a floor-length gown or cocktail dress. It will be warm — Amsterdam in August — so lighter fabrics are a good idea.
Please reach out to Sam or Riley directly and we’ll take care of it.
We’ll arrange transportation for all guests between the Saturday ceremony and the reception at Freddy’s Bar. Details to follow closer to the date.
For all other travel, Amsterdam’s historic center is very walkable and taxis are plentiful. See the travel section above for full details.
We recommend Tivoli Doelen or Residence Le Coin — both are on Nieuwe Doelenstraat, a five-minute walk from Hotel De L’Europe. Hotel Nes is another good option slightly further west.
Full recommendations with addresses are in the travel section above.
No. The ETIAS travel authorization will not go into effect until late 2026 — no need to get it!
Visit the RSVP page and enter your name as it appears on your invitation. Please respond by 1 June 2026. If you have any trouble, email us directly and we will sort it out.
We’re happy to help. Reach us at gibsonmesserwedding@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you right away.
Gifts
Your presence is the greatest gift. If you’d like to give something, we are registered on Over The Moon.