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 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 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), 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 — every act has transparent pricing, verified reviews, and direct messaging, so you can get an exact quote for your wedding in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wedding singer cost for 2 hours?
Expect £280–£550 for a solo singer performing two sets over an evening, rising to £600–£900 in London or for a singer-guitarist.
Do you tip a wedding singer?
Tipping isn’t expected in the UK, as the agreed fee is the professional rate. A tip or a glowing review is a welcome bonus for a great performance, but never an obligation.
How far in advance should I book a wedding singer?
Book 9–18 months ahead for a peak-season Saturday. Popular acts for summer dates are often reserved more than a year in advance.
Can a wedding singer learn our first-dance song?
Most will, often included or for a small fee. Ask when you enquire and give them plenty of notice so they can rehearse it properly.
Is a wedding singer cheaper than a band?
Yes — significantly. A solo singer typically costs a third to a half of a full wedding band, making it the most budget-friendly way to have live music on your day.