Wedding Musicians in the UK
Live music adds an irreplaceable atmosphere to wedding celebrations, creating emotional moments during the ceremony and bringing energy to the reception. The sound of a string quartet as you walk down the aisle, a jazz trio during cocktails, or a band filling the dance floor offers an experience that recorded music simply cannot match.
The UK has an exceptional pool of wedding musicians, from solo performers and classical ensembles to party bands and contemporary acoustic acts. Many musicians specialise in weddings and understand how to adapt their performance to different moments throughout the day, reading the room and responding to the atmosphere. Whether you want elegant background music or a full-scale party performance, there are professionals who can deliver exactly what you envision.
Find Wedding Musicians by Location
Browse wedding musicians in popular UK locations:
How to Choose Wedding Musicians
Consider what role music will play at different points of your day. You might want classical instruments for the ceremony, acoustic music during the drinks reception, and a band or DJ for the evening party. Some acts can cover multiple parts, while others specialise in specific moments.
Listen to recordings and watch videos of potential performers. Many musicians have samples on their websites or social media. Better still, try to see them perform live at showcases, public events, or previous weddings.
Discuss your musical preferences and check they can accommodate your requests. Most musicians have extensive repertoires and can learn specific songs for important moments like your first dance or processional.
Understand the practical requirements. How much space do they need? What are their sound and power requirements? Do they need a meal or break room? Will they bring their own equipment, or does the venue need to provide anything?
Check their experience with weddings specifically. Wedding musicians need to be flexible, punctual, and professional in how they interact with guests and coordinate with venues and other suppliers.
Popular Types of Wedding Musicians
String Quartets & Ensembles
Classical elegance perfect for ceremonies and drinks receptions with sophisticated repertoire.
Acoustic Duos & Trios
Versatile performers covering popular songs in stripped-back arrangements for ambient music.
Jazz Bands
Sophisticated swing and jazz for cocktail hours and receptions with a classic feel.
Party & Function Bands
High-energy performers keeping guests dancing with crowd-pleasing hits across eras.
Solo Musicians
Pianists, harpists, guitarists, and vocalists for intimate moments and background ambiance.
Specialist Genre Acts
Folk, soul, Motown, rock, or cultural specialists for couples with specific musical tastes.
Costs & Budgeting (UK)
Wedding musician fees vary widely depending on the type of act and duration of performance. Solo performers typically charge £200 to £600, while bands range from £1,000 to £4,000 or more depending on size and reputation.
Factors affecting price include the number of musicians, hours of performance, travel distance, equipment requirements, and whether you are booking for peak dates like Saturdays in summer.
Many couples book different acts for different parts of the day—perhaps a solo guitarist for the ceremony, a jazz trio for cocktails, and a DJ for the evening to manage costs while still enjoying live music for key moments.
FAQs
Can musicians play outdoors?
Many can, but there are practical considerations including weather, power supply, and sound. Discuss your plans in advance and have a backup location in case of poor weather.
How long do bands typically play?
Evening bands usually perform two or three sets of 45-60 minutes each, with breaks in between. Many provide background music or DJ services during breaks.
Can I request specific songs?
Most musicians are happy to learn songs for special moments like your first dance. Discuss requests early and understand any additional fees for song learning.