🇺🇸 🇬🇧 Wedding Information
What is the wedding itinerary?
Ceremony 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Cakes & Toast 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Explore Castle / Photos 3:30 - 6 pm
Dinner 6 - 8 pm
Party 8 pm - 12 am
What time are guests expected to arrive?
Guests are kindly invited to arrive at 12:30.
The wedding ceremony will begin promptly at 13:30 (1:30 PM).
Upon arrival at Kasteel de Haar, please follow the signs to the chapel, where the ceremony will take place. We recommend arriving a little early to allow time to walk to the chapel and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the castle.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is Semi-Formal Cocktail Attire.
We kindly ask guests to avoid full white dresses or full white suits, as white is reserved for the bride. White shirts for men are allowed, as part of a suit or ensemble.
Shoe tip: Kasteel de Haar is a historic castle with cobblestone paths, large grounds, and narrow winding staircases inside. Guests are welcome to explore the castle and grounds, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes or bringing an extra pair to change into if needed. And come prepare to dance!💃🕺✨→ See attire page
Will the ceremony be indoors or outdoors?
The wedding ceremony will be held indoors, inside the beautiful chapel at Kasteel de Haar.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the ceremony and celebration areas at Kasteel de Haar are wheelchair accessible.
Please note, however, that exploring the interior of the castle is limited, as the castle has many stairs and no elevators.
If you have specific accessibility questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help where we can 🤍
Do I need a visa to travel to The Netherlands?
For most of our guests, the answer is no — but it’s always good to double-check.
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Guests from the United States can travel to The Netherlands visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or private visits. A valid passport is required.
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Guests from Mexico can also travel visa-free for up to 90 days, with a valid passport.
Please make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay (valid for more then 6 months). We recommend checking official government websites or your airline for the most up-to-date travel requirements.
How can I get to Castle De Haar?
✨ Finding Your Way to the Castle ✨
How to Reach Kasteel de Haar
As our story unfolds, all paths lead to Kasteel de Haar, the fairytale castle where we will celebrate love, laughter, and forever.
🚗 From Hoek van Holland & the Westland Area
By car, the journey takes approximately 60–75 minutes. Travel via A20 → A4 → A12 toward Utrecht, then follow signs for Vleuten / Haarzuilens. The coastal roads slowly turn into green countryside, preparing you for the magic ahead. Parking is available near the castle grounds.
👉 Google Maps: Directions to Kasteel de Haar
By public transport, take the train from Hoek van Holland Haven or a nearby Westland station to Utrecht Centraal, then continue toward Vleuten / Haarzuilens, followed by a short taxi ride.
👉 Google Maps: Public Transport to Kasteel de Haar
✈️ From Schiphol Airport
Fresh from your journey across the ocean, the castle awaits.
By car or taxi, Kasteel de Haar is approximately 45 minutes from Schiphol Airport. Simply follow A4 → A12 toward Utrecht, then continue to Vleuten / Haarzuilens. A smooth and scenic drive brings you straight to the gates of our fairytale.
👉 Google Maps: Schiphol Airport to Kasteel de Haar
By train, take a direct train from Schiphol Airport to Utrecht Centraal (around 30 minutes). From there, continue by train or bus toward Vleuten or Haarzuilens, followed by a short taxi ride to the castle.
👉 Google Maps: Public Transport from Schiphol to Kasteel de Haar
🏨 From Van der Valk Hotel Breukelen
For our guests staying nearby, the journey is short and sweet.
By car or taxi, Kasteel de Haar is only 20–25 minutes away. Drive toward Utrecht, following signs for Vleuten / Haarzuilens. It’s a peaceful ride through charming Dutch landscapes — perfect for a wedding day.
👉 Google Maps: Van der Valk Hotel Breukelen to Kasteel de Haar
By taxi or Uber, this is the easiest and most comfortable option. A short ride will bring you directly to the castle entrance without any transfers.
No matter where your journey begins, each road leads to the same destination — a castle filled with love, celebration, and unforgettable memories.
We cannot wait to welcome you at Kasteel de Haar 🤍✨
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes, on-site parking is available at Kasteel de Haar.
Guests will receive free parking by mentioning at the front office that they are attending Monica and Dirk’s wedding.
Alternatively, if you leave the venue after 5:00 PM, the exit gate will be open and no ticket is required.
Please note that overnight parking is not recommended. If you choose to leave your car overnight, parking will be at your own expense.
We recommend allowing a little extra time for parking and the walk to the chapel.
Will transportation be provided between the hotel and the venue?
More information to come.
Where can we stay overnight during the wedding weekend?
⭐ Primary Recommendation – Van der Valk Hotel Breukelen
This will be our home base for the weekend, and many guests may enjoy staying here as well.
Located about 15-20 minutes by car from Kasteel de Haar, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to both the celebration and the surrounding region.
A major advantage of this hotel is its excellent public transportation access.
Breukelen Train Station is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from the hotel. From there, you can take direct trains to:
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Amsterdam (approx. 20–25 minutes)
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Utrecht (approx. 10 minutes)
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Rotterdam (approx. 45 minutes)
This makes Van der Valk Breukelen a fantastic option for guests who want to explore the Netherlands by train before or after the wedding, without needing a rental car.
Price Range: $$
🏨 Best Western Plus Hotel Woerden
A lovely option in the nearby town of Woerden, perfect for guests who prefer a different setting or price point. This hotel features comfortable rooms, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to both Utrecht and Hoek van Holland by car or train.
Price Range: $
🏙️ Carlton President – Utrecht
For those who want to stay in a more urban setting, the Carlton President in Utrecht city center is a wonderful choice. You’ll be immersed in historic canals, charming streets, and excellent restaurants. From Utrecht it’s an easy taxi, train, or shuttle ride to Kasteel de Haar.
Price Range: $$$
📌 Things to Keep in Mind
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Booking early is recommended, especially for hotels in Utrecht, as they fill up quickly on wedding weekends and during peak travel seasons.
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If you plan to use public transport or taxis/Uber, Utrecht and Woerden are both very easy to reach via train.
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All options provide a comfortable base from which to enjoy your stay — whether you want seaside calm, urban charm, or countryside comfort.
Where can I stay before or after the wedding?
That really depends on what you would like to do before or after the wedding.
For hotel recommendations near Dirk’s hometown, we have listed three great options on our Travel Tips! page.
We also encourage you to check the Travel Tips! page regularly, as we will be sharing ongoing blog posts with ideas, recommendations, and inspiration for exploring The Netherlands and beyond.
Are children welcome?
Yes, children are very welcome. We’re happy to celebrate this special day with guests of all ages 🤍✨
Will food and drinks be provided?
Yes, food and drinks will be provided throughout the celebration.
May I take photos during the ceremony?
We kindly ask guests not to take photos or videos during the ceremony.
We would love for everyone to be fully present in the moment while our professional photographer captures the ceremony for us.
Will Wi-Fi be available at the venue?
There will be no Wi-Fi available at the wedding venue.
Do you have a wedding hashtag?
Yes! Our wedding hashtag is #cowsout
It’s a fun saying Monica and Dirk often use when cheering with a drink. You can read more about the story behind it in Chapter 2: USA of our wedding book.
Will your wedding be live streamed?
Yes! We will be live streaming the ceremony for overseas guests or anyone who is unable to celebrate with us in person.
More details and viewing information will be shared closer to the wedding date.
Is there a gift registry or preferred gift?
Your presence at our wedding truly means the world to us and is already the greatest gift we could receive.
If you still wish to give something, please know that nothing is expected. However, for those who insist, a small contribution toward our honeymoon adventures would be sincerely appreciated. It would help us create new memories as we begin this next chapter together.
Most of all, we are simply grateful to celebrate this special day with you. ✨
What is the RSVP deadline?
April 18th 2026.
Who can I contact with questions on the wedding day?
More information to come.
What is the local time zone?
The Netherlands is in the Central European Time (CET) zone.
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CET is 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time
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CET is 7 hours ahead of U.S. Central Time
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CET is 8 hours ahead of U.S. Mountain Time
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CET is 9 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Time
Please keep this in mind when planning travel or coordinating with loved ones back home.
Will I have cell phone service in The Netherlands?
Maybe — this depends on your mobile provider and your specific plan. Many international providers include The Netherlands in their international roaming or data bundles, but we recommend checking with your provider before traveling to avoid unexpected charges.
If you are visiting from overseas and prefer a simple solution, an eSIM is a great option. Providers such as Holafly offer easy-to-use eSIM plans with unlimited data for The Netherlands and Europe. You can install the eSIM before your trip and stay connected as soon as you arrive — no physical SIM card needed.
🇺🇸 🇬🇧 Visiting The Netherlands – Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors
We are so happy you’re traveling all this way to celebrate with us! To help make your stay smooth and enjoyable, here are a few helpful tips for guests visiting The Netherlands for the first time.
🚗 Driving & Rental Cars
If you plan to rent a car, please be aware that The Netherlands has many speed cameras — both visible and hidden. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and fines can be high and will often be sent to you after your trip. Always follow posted speed limits and watch for cameras, especially on highways and in cities.
For our American guests: manual (stick-shift) cars are the standard rental option in The Netherlands. Automatic cars are available but limited and often cost more. If you prefer an automatic vehicle, be sure to request this specifically when booking your rental car.
🚲 Bicycles Have Priority
The Netherlands is famous for bicycles — and for good reason! Cyclists often have the right of way, even in cities and towns. Always look both ways before crossing streets or bike paths, and never walk on red-colored bike lanes.
🚶 Pedestrian & Traffic Rules
Jaywalking is not recommended, and traffic lights are taken seriously. When the light is red, everyone waits — even if the street looks empty.
💳 Payment & Cards
Most places accept credit and debit cards, but some smaller shops and cafés may only accept debit cards (Maestro/V-Pay). Carrying a small amount of cash can be helpful, though it’s rarely needed. The official currency is the Euro (€).
🕰 Punctuality Matters
The Dutch value being on time. If a reservation says 7:00 PM, arriving a few minutes early is perfectly fine — arriving late is less common.
☔ Weather Wisdom
Dutch weather can change quickly. Even on sunny days, we recommend bringing a light jacket or umbrella, just in case.
🍻 Drinking & Tipping
The legal drinking age is 18. Tipping is appreciated but not required — rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (10%) for great service is customary.
🌍 Language
Almost everyone speaks excellent English, so no worries if you don’t speak Dutch. A simple “Dank je wel” (thank you) is always appreciated!
Can I drink tap water?
Yes! Tap water in The Netherlands is safe to drink and of excellent quality.
Unless a sign specifically says the water is not drinkable (which is very rare), you can safely drink tap water anywhere.
We hope these tips help you feel right at home while visiting The Netherlands. If you have any questions during your stay, don’t hesitate to ask — we’re so excited to celebrate with you! ✨