Wedding car hire in West-Vlaanderen (Belgium)

Getting married on the coast, in Brugge or in the Westhoek

West-Vlaanderen is the only Belgian province on the sea, and for many couples that sets the mood of the day. Along the coast, from De Panne and Nieuwpoort to Oostende, De Haan and Knokke-Heist, you will find beach bars, seafront hotels and villas where couples hold their reception or party. De Haan is known for its belle époque villas, a lovely backdrop for a classic wedding car.

Inland lies Brugge, with the Markt, the Belfort and the Burg, where the town hall stands. The canals and little bridges attract visitors all year round, so it is best to take your photos there early in the day. On the page about wedding cars in Brugge you can read more about the city. North-east of Brugge lie Damme and the polders, and in the south the Westhoek around Ieper and Poperinge, with hop fields, the hills around the Kemmelberg and castle estates. Kortrijk, on the Leie, also has a recognisable backdrop in the Broeltorens.

An open wedding car by the sea, a classic car in the city

The sea, the city and the hills each call for a different kind of car, and many couples combine them in one day: the ceremony in Brugge or a coastal town, photos by the sea and a party inland.

Along the Koninklijke Baan

A drive along the coast almost calls for an open car. A 1960s Ford Mustang convertible suits the villas and the seafront, and a Porsche 356 Speedster is a sporty two-seater with a low, rounded shape. Do bear the sea wind in mind: hair and veils have a harder time there than inland. Sand and salt on the paintwork are no problem for a single day, but ask the rental company whether they are happy for you to stop for photos close to the beach.

Formal in Brugge

In the centre of Brugge a stately car fits best, such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud or a four-door Mercedes-Benz W123. These are calm cars that cope well with cobblestones and narrow streets. If you prefer something sportier, the modern convertibles also include a Porsche 718 or Audi R8.

Coast and Brugge: crowds, timing and travel time

In summer the coast is busy, especially on sunny Saturdays. The Koninklijke Baan and the access roads to the seaside towns often get clogged up then. It is better to plan a photo stop by the sea in the morning or late in the afternoon, and to choose a car park or street where the car can stand for a while. The coast tram runs along the entire coast; keep it in mind when crossing the road and when stopping.

In Brugge the historic centre is largely closed to cars and parking right outside the door is rarely possible. Agree on a drop-off point within walking distance of the town hall or the church. Not all rental companies that drive in West-Vlaanderen are based in the province; some come from Oost-Vlaanderen or the Netherlands. Ask about the travel time and agree where the car will wait during the reception.