Just 20 couples out of the almost 400 that applied will tie the knot on the A10 ring road on June 21 as part of Amsterdam’s 750th birthday celebrations.

The large number of applicants meant the council had to draw the names of the 20 lucky couples out of a hat. All couples are from Amsterdam or Weesp.

The weddings are part of the big street party featuring music, sport, theatre and dance which will take place on a 15 kilometre stretch of the road. A civil registrar will officiate at the weddings and the council will also supply a red carpet and facilities for family and guests.

The A10 will be closed to traffic between the exit to the A5 and the exit to the A1 after rush hour on Friday 20 June and will remain out of action until after Sunday’s cleanup.

People who want to enter or leave the city at the weekend have been advised to leave their cars at home and use the train instead.