# How much does it cost to hire a wedding singer? > Most couples in the UK pay between £280 and £800 to hire a wedding singer, with the typical booking landing around £450–£600. A solo singer performing to backing tracks sits at the lower end; a singer-guitarist, a longer booking covering multiple parts of the day, or a well-established performer in… Published: 2026-04-12 · Author: Dan Willis Most couples in the UK pay **between £280 and £800 to hire a wedding [singer](https://encoremusicians.com/hire/singers)**, with the typical booking landing around **£450–£600**. A solo singer performing to backing tracks sits at the lower end; a singer-guitarist, a longer booking covering multiple parts of the day, or a well-established performer in London pushes toward the top — and beyond it for the most in-demand acts. That headline range covers most weddings, but the right figure for *your* day depends on a handful of specific factors. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay, what drives the price up or down, and how to book the right singer without overspending. ### Wedding singer cost at a glance | Type of act | Typical UK price | Best for | | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | Solo singer (backing tracks) | £280–£550 | Ceremonies, drinks receptions, intimate weddings | | Singer-guitarist | £400–£700 | Acoustic ceremony + reception sets | | Singer with [DJ](https://encoremusicians.com/hire/djs) setup | £600–£1,000 | Evening entertainment on one budget | | Singer fronting a duo/trio | £700–£1,200 | Fuller live sound without a full band | Figures are indicative UK averages for 2026 and vary by region, experience, and how long you need the singer for. ### What affects the cost of a wedding singer? **The type of act.** A solo vocalist singing over professional backing tracks is the most affordable option. Add a live instrument (a singer-guitarist or singer-[pianist](https://encoremusicians.com/hire/pianists)), a second musician, or a full DJ rig for the evening, and the price rises with the setup. **How long you need them.** Most singers price around performance sets — typically two 45-minute sets — plus setup and soundcheck. Covering your ceremony *and* drinks reception *and* the evening means more sets, a longer day, and a higher fee. **Experience and reputation.** A singer with years of wedding experience, strong reviews, and a polished showreel commands more than someone earlier in their career. You’re paying for reliability on the one day that can’t be re-run. **Location and travel.** London and the South East run 15–30% above the national average. Singers also factor in travel time, mileage, and occasionally overnight accommodation for remote or late-finishing venues. **Date and season.** Peak Saturdays from May to September are the most expensive and book out first. A Friday, Sunday, or off-season date can shave money off the fee and widen your choice of acts. **Extras.** Learning a specific first-dance song, providing a PA system for speeches, extra sets, or early setup can all add to the base price. Most of these are worth clarifying in the quote rather than assuming they’re included. ### Wedding singer cost by part of the day **Ceremony (£150–£350):** A single set as you walk down the aisle, during the register signing, and on the way out. Often booked as a shorter, standalone performance. **Drinks reception (£250–£450):** Background live music while guests mingle and photos are taken — usually one to two sets. **Evening reception (£450–£800):** The main event. Two full sets to fill the dancefloor, sometimes with a DJ or playlist service between sets. **Full day (£800–£1,500+):** Ceremony through to evening, either from one versatile act or a singer who scales their setup across the day. The most convenient option, and priced accordingly. ### Regional price differences Wedding singer prices in **London and the South East** are the highest in the UK, typically £600–£900 for an evening booking. The **Midlands, the North, Wales, and Scotland** generally run lower, with strong solo singers available from around £300–£550. If your venue is rural or a long drive from major cities, budget for travel on top. ### What’s usually included in the price? A professional wedding singer’s fee normally covers their performance sets, their own PA and microphone, setup and soundcheck, public liability insurance, and PAT-tested equipment (which many venues now require). Always confirm insurance and PAT certificates are in place — reputable acts will have both and won’t blink at the question. ### How to save money on a wedding singer * **Book off-peak.** A Friday, Sunday, or winter date is cheaper and gives you more choice. * **Book one act for more of the day.** A singer who covers ceremony and evening is usually better value than hiring two separate acts. * **Choose a solo singer with backing tracks** rather than a full live band if budget is tight — the vocal is what guests remember. * **Book early.** The best-value acts get snapped up 12–18 months ahead for peak dates; last-minute bookings mean less choice and less room to negotiate. * **Be clear on your must-haves** up front so quotes are like-for-like and you’re not caught by add-ons later. ### Is hiring a wedding singer worth it? For most couples, yes. A live singer during the ceremony and first dance creates the moments guests actually remember, at a fraction of the cost of a full band. If your priority is a memorable ceremony and drinks reception on a sensible budget, a solo wedding singer is often the best value on the whole day. When you’re ready to see real prices for singers available on your date, you can [browse and compare wedding singers on Encore](https://encoremusicians.com/occasions/wedding/singers) — every act has transparent pricing, verified reviews, and direct messaging, so you can get an exact quote for your wedding in minutes.