Wedding Ceremony Musicians for hire Near You
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Our musicians are happy to travel and we can provide artists in any part of the UK and Ireland. We regulary send artists abroad to perform accross Europe (and globally) for special occasions. Use the button to the right to get matched with musicians near you.
Latest reviews of our Wedding Ceremony Musicians
"Tony is absolutely first class. A lovely friendly man who is professional and talented on the pipes."
Robert hired Tony Daniel for a Funeral / Memorial service
"Clea was incredible from start to finish. I booked her to sing for our wedding ceremony and drinks reception. I wanted a special arrangement for my bridal party and myself to walk down the aisle to. She handled it all amazingly, all in her stride. I also asked her to learn two new songs for the signing the register. Which she also took in her stride. Cocktail hour was amazing with her to set the mood. Communication was great. She was on time and setting up early. She was so so professional. But most of all, made us feel just lovely and sung and played beautifully. Clea thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We loved having you"
Kia hired CLEA ROSE for a Wedding
"Ian played for our 93 year old grandma on her birthday. He was very professional and gave her the best experience of her life. She quoted “I couldn’t have wished for anything more perfect for my birthday”. Ian came looking very well presented, adhered to the requests made and overall made everyone feel happy. He took the time to speak to our grandma which I know she appreciated greatly. We will absolutely use Ian again at all our functions. Couldn’t recommend enough. Thank you Ian, you made a grateful elderly woman feel young and loved. "
Marie hired Ian Davidson for a Private event
FAQs about hiring Wedding Ceremony Musicians in the UK
Take the stress out of hiring musicians with Encore
Do you play music during wedding ceremony?
While music isn't strictly mandatory for a wedding ceremony, it's become a deeply ingrained tradition. Its absence might feel oddly quiet and leave some key emotional moments unaccompanied. Live music in ceremonies is used mainly to guide the flow of the wedding. For example, processional music announces the bride’s arrival, recessional music celebrates the union, and interludes provide smooth transitions between readings or vows.
When do you need music in a wedding ceremony?
While the specific timing can vary depending on the length of your ceremony, however as a rule of thumb: Prelude: Around 15-20 minutes before the ceremony starts, soft, calming music begins playing as guests arrive and take their seats. Processional: Music starts right as the first member of the wedding party enters, and continues as the bride walks down the aisle. This typically lasts 2-4 minutes depending on the length of the aisle and song chosen. Readings/Interludes: Short instrumental pieces or calm ambient music can be played between readings or announcements (usually 1-2 minutes each). Vows: Some couples choose to have music playing softly in the background while exchanging vows, while others prefer silence for this intimate moment. Unity Ceremony/Ring Exchange: If you're having a special ceremony like lighting a unity candle or exchanging rings, you might choose a short, meaningful piece of music to accompany this moment (around 1 minute). Recessional: As the newly married couple exits the ceremony, the music shifts to a more upbeat and celebratory tone. The recessional music typically lasts 1-2 minutes, depending on the chosen song. Of course, whichever music you choose is at your discretion as a couple but if you’d like more advice tailored to your vision, please get in touch with one of our experts today.
What is recessional music for wedding ceremony?
The recessional music is the songs that play as you take your first steps as a newly married couple. It marks the joyful end to your ceremony and sets the tone for the drinks reception. Take a look at your blog for inspiration and guides on how to choose the right recessional song for your big day.
How much do wedding ceremony musicians cost?
The average cost of a wedding ceremony musician depends entirely on the type of musician you choose, as well as, other factors such as time of year (peak wedding season being the most expensive), experience of the musician and location of your wedding venue (local musicians almost always the least expensive due to lower travel costs). However, below is a rough guide of prices of some popular musicians for wedding ceremonies: String quartet - £840 Acoustic duos - £650 Organist - £400 Harpist - £350 Singing guitarist - £300 Violinist - £300
Should I have music at wedding ceremony?
Whether you’d like wedding ceremony music is up to you, however, nothing beats the atmosphere live music can create, and your ceremony does set the tone for the rest of your wedding. Live music is great for adding a layer of emotion and intensity to key moments such as the bride walking down the aisle, that pre-recorded music can’t. Another key thing to remember is that with live music, it reduces the chances of technical difficulties as live musicians are seasoned professionals who know how to manage sound levels effectively and maximise the acoustics of a venue. You don’t want to risk pitchy sounds or uneven noise levels during the most important moments of your life.
What music to play before wedding ceremony?
Usually, couples choose to play music before the ceremony as the guests are arriving to create an ambience and set the tone for the rest of the day. Ultimately the choice is up to you, but ideally, you want background music that creates a nice atmosphere but doesn’t overpower conversations as your guests mingle.
How to play music at outdoor wedding ceremony?
There are a lot of great live music options for an outdoor wedding ceremony. String instruments such as violins, cello, and viola are great for outdoor weddings as they have a sharp, directional sound that can cut through background noise in open spaces. Likewise, jazz bands suit outdoor ceremonies as they often feature horns and woodwinds which also project well outdoors. Other outdoor wedding ceremony musicians you may want to consider are harpists, singing guitarists, acoustic duos, and steel drum bands. If you’d like a more interactive experience, consider a roaming band who wander around the venue or dancefloor and perform amongst your guests. Due to their nature of performance, roaming bands are ideal for outdoor wedding ceremonies because they don't need amplification and their sound fills any outdoor space no matter how large.
Hiring a Wedding Ceremony Musician Near You
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How much does it cost to hire a Wedding Ceremony Musician in the UK?
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How much do wedding ceremony musicians cost?
The average cost to hire musicians for a wedding ceremony depends entirely on the type of musician you choose, as well as, other factors such as time of year (peak wedding season being the most expensive), experience of the musician, and location of your wedding venue (local musicians almost always the least expensive due to lower travel costs).
However, below is a rough guide of prices of some popular wedding entertainment options (based on a 2-hour performance):
- String Quartet - £840
- Acoustic Duos - £650
- Organist - £400
- Harpist - £350
- Singing Guitarist - £300
- Violinist - £300
What wedding ceremony musician would be right for my big day?
Small Wedding Ceremony (Less than 50 guests)
For a small wedding, you want a wedding ceremony musician that doesn’t take too much space and projects sound well without the need for added amplification. As such, you’ll find that soloists tend to work best but duos can also work well. See below some of the best examples.
The harp is an elegant, beautiful instrument with a dreamy, ethereal sound that can fill any space without amplification. The harp also has a naturally lower volume which can be a bonus if your wedding venue has sound restrictions or if you desire a softer sound.
Despite being a less frequent choice, cellists are surprisingly versatile with wide repertoires including both modern pop covers and traditional classics. Regardless of the genre, cellists produce a rich, warm sound and are capable of playing a wide range of styles. Similarly, the cello requires about the same space as a harp, ideal for smaller venues and is a visually appealing instrument that is associated with elegant events.
If you want to vocals to add more depth to the performance, consider the raw, authentic sound of an acoustic duo. Acoustic duos are ideal for smaller weddings as they require minimal space, are portable, and can provide stripped-back, romantic covers of your favourite songs.
Medium Wedding Ceremony (51-150 guests)
For a medium-sized wedding ceremony, you want musicians can fill the space without the need for excessive amplification. See below some of Encore’s top recommendations.
The violin has a warm, expressive sound that can pierce through any space. Violinists are also one of the most cost-effective wedding ceremony musician options and they require less space.
A classic choice for ceremonies and ideal for couples who want a traditional, formal feel to their wedding. String quartets offer a full, nuanced sound with intricate harmonies and melodies, creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.
Acoustic bands are a perfect choice for couples who still want a beautiful sound but with a more laid-back feel. Acoustic bands are also the most flexible option on this list as their range of instruments means they can easily adapt different themes and styles, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.
Larger Wedding Ceremony (Over 150 guests)
The perfect musicians for a larger wedding ceremony are those vibrant, full sounds that can fill a large space. Below are some of our top recommendations.
For couples looking for something a bit different, consider a jazz band for your ceremony. Our jazz bands offer a wide repertoire, from classic swing tunes to modern interpretations of popular music. They are also highly flexible and can adapt to different ceremony moments, playing soft background music during processional and recessional and adding energy for upbeat exits.
A brass band typically consists of instruments like trumpets, trombones, and French horns, which can produce a powerful sound that's perfect for larger weddings. Brass instruments are also uplifting and celebratory, making them well-suited for such a joyful occasion.
Go all out with the harmonious sounds of a choir. Whether performing classical hymns or contemporary arrangements, a choir can elevate the atmosphere and add an emotional depth to your ceremony.
A guide to hiring Wedding Ceremony Musicians
Take the hassle out of hiring Wedding Ceremony Musicians with Encore Musicians
