Wedding car hire in Haarlem

Getting married in Haarlem: a historic town close to the coast

Haarlem has a historic city centre that is quieter than Amsterdam, but certainly just as atmospheric. The town hall stands on the Grote Markt, opposite the Grote or Sint-Bavokerk. With its monumental façades and terraces, the square is one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands.

Scattered through the centre are hofjes, quiet inner courtyard gardens behind a gate. They make a lovely contrast with the bustle of the market square, but people live there, so check beforehand whether taking photos is welcome.

The Spaarne winds through the town, with Molen De Adriaan as a recognisable sight on the water. Nearby is the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands. On the south side lies the Haarlemmerhout, one of the oldest parks in the country, with tall trees and avenues.

From Haarlem to the dunes and the sea

Haarlem is only a few kilometres from the dunes. That makes it easy to combine a town ceremony with photos in the greenery or by the sea, without long journeys.

Bloemendaal and the Kennemerduinen

To the west of Haarlem the Kennemerduinen begin, with woodland, dunes and, eventually, the sea. On the way you will drive through Bloemendaal and Overveen, with their villas and leafy avenues. Landgoed Elswout in Overveen is a well-known green backdrop with old trees and rolling grounds.

Zandvoort and the coast

A drive to Zandvoort or the dunes behind it completes your wedding day with sea and beach. A convertible really comes into its own here, as long as the wind plays along. Do keep the car on the paved road, as sand and salt are not good for old paintwork.

How to choose your wedding car in Haarlem

The centre of Haarlem is busy and has many narrow streets. A compact classic car fits better here than a long American car. Agree a drop-off point with the rental company, at the edge of the Grote Markt or by the Spaarne.

Take a look at the overview of wedding cars in Noord-Holland for rental companies that drive in the region. For a ride to the coast, convertibles are a lovely choice. If you are looking for something British and elegant, have a look at the British wedding cars.

Are you getting married in Haarlem but living in the capital? Then also take a look at the wedding cars in Amsterdam. Many rental companies drive in both cities. If you are travelling from Amsterdam to Haarlem, allow some extra time, as the roads in between can be busy.