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Wedding Ceremony Music and
Entertainment Ideas


You have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to hiring live music and entertainment for your wedding ceremony. We help to ensure that from the moment your guests arrive you'll have an amazing musical sound track.

On this page
Live music when your guests arrive
Music for the arrival of the bride
Personalise the music to suit you
Live music for your wedding ceremony
Popular traditional wedding song ideas
Contemporary / modern wedding song ideas
Accomaniment during the wedding ceremony
Best selling live wedding ceremony entertainment


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Music when your guests arrive


You'll want to ensure the mood is right as soon as your guests arrive. This can often be 20 minutes before the bride so don't leave them waiting in silence. Whether this is at the church or at your venue, live music playing in the background adds to the atmosphere.

Popular choices include string wedding quartets, harpists, pianists and classical guitarists, all of whom are able to play background music to suit you.

The arrival of the bride

As the bride arrives it's time to make a bigger impression! A traditional option is to have a piper play the bride from her wedding carriage to the church/ceremony. Another high impact starter is to have a Gospel Choir sing the bride into the church. If space is limited, try a wedding ceremony singer which can add a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to your arrival. There won't be a dry eye in the house!

Personalise your music to suit you

Most couples will have many songs which are special to them, so instead of the traditional Bridal Chorus played on the church organ, why not have your live musicians play a special song as you walk down the isle? This is usually easy enough to arrange if you're booking a string quartet, harpist or pianist.

We've also know couples have the rock and pop band that they've booked for their evening party to arrive early and play an acoustic version of their special song as the bride walks down the isle.

What ever your musical preference, pretty much anything is possible. Just ask your Alive Network agent and we'll make it happen!
Live Music for your Wedding Ceremony

  • Blond Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Blond 
    String Quartets
    Based in Hertfordshire
    From £672+ for your Wedding Ceremony

    Blond are a highly professional, all female contemporary quartet. Their huge repertoire includes pop music & jazz, light classical, show songs, traditional sing-a-long tunes & Christmas carols. Perfect for weddings, corporate events and parties.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Blond's profile page >
  • Status Cymbal Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Status Cymbal 
    String Quartets
    Based in London
    From £570 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    With a unique blend of musical styles, from classical works through operetta & jazz to witty arrangements of the latest popular music, STATUS CYMBAL will be an excellent choice for concerts, weddings, parties and corporate events. Based in London.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Status Cymbal's profile page >
  • The Quartz String Quartet Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony The Quartz String Quartet 
    String Quartets
    Based in Birmingham
    From £540 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    Excellent male & female string quartet based in the Midlands who are as comfortable playing Status Quo as they are Strauss, and who move from The Beatles to Bach with ease. Suitable for any reception or ceremony. Christmas songs in repertoire!

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View The Quartz String Quartet's profile page >
  • Regent String Quartet  Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Regent String Quartet  
    String Quartets
    Based in London
    From £504 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    The Regent String Quartet is a young professional quartet with extensive experience in performing at wedding services and receptions, corporate functions, fund raising events and other special occasions. Based in London.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Regent String Quartet 's profile page >
  • Giardino Strings Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Giardino Strings 
    String Quartets
    Based in London
    From £470 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    Wonderful and professional London based String Quartet. Perfect for weddings, Bar-Mitzvahs, corporate events, product launches and dinner parties.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Giardino Strings's profile page >
  • OL Harp (Harpist) Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony OL Harp (Harpist) 
    Harpists
    Based in Cheshire
    From £180+ for your Wedding Ceremony

    OL Harp is a Cheshire based harpist with many years’ experience, having played in numerous reputable hotels and venues throughout North West England and North Wales, at weddings and other private functions.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View OL Harp (Harpist)'s profile page >
  • Alexandra King (Harpist) Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Alexandra King (Harpist) 
    Harpists
    Based in West Sussex
    From £252+ for your Wedding Ceremony

    Alexandra is a fantastic young harpist with a varied repertoire from classical to traditional folk to popular music. An elegant backdrop to many events. Christmas repertoire also available!

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Alexandra King (Harpist)'s profile page >
  • Aurora Strings Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Aurora Strings 
    String Quartets
    Based in Newcastle-Upon Tyne
    From £480+ for your Wedding Ceremony

    The string quartet with experience, professionalism & an extensive repertoire of classical, jazz, tangos, film themes & slick pop tunes. Aurora Strings are the perfect choice for any wedding, dinner, corporate function or private party in the North!

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Aurora Strings's profile page >
  • The Vixen String Quartet Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony The Vixen String Quartet 
    String Quartets
    Based in Middlesex
    From £540 + (Based on 1 hour) for your Wedding Ceremony

    Sexy, sassy professional and elegant!The Vixen String Quartet can perform for any occasion. Their wealth of experience includes performing at the Royal Albert Hall and with Pavarotti, Take That & Sting!

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View The Vixen String Quartet's profile page >
  • Bella Musica Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Bella Musica 
    String Quartets
    Based in Staffordshire
    From £504 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    Bella Musica String Quartet is a professional ensemble based in North Staffordshire & South Cheshire in the UK, providing first class entertainment for any occasion - weddings, parties, corporate events, etc.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Bella Musica's profile page >
  • Clare Bakewell (Harpist) Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Clare Bakewell (Harpist) 
    Harpists
    Based in Cumbria
    From £192+ for your Wedding Ceremony

    Clare Bakewell is a harpist who can add the perfect accompaniment to any event such as weddings, christenings and parties. Clare has a repertoire ranging from folk to popular and musicals.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Clare Bakewell (Harpist)'s profile page >
  • Capriccio Strings Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Capriccio Strings 
    String Quartets
    Based in Edinburgh
    From £420 + for all events. for your Wedding Ceremony

    A highly professional group with 25 years experience of providing music for weddings, receptions, conferences and dinners. Based in Edinburgh but willing to travel throughout Scotland and the North of England.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Capriccio Strings's profile page >
  • Fitz-Elliott Duo Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Fitz-Elliott Duo 
    Harpists
    Based in Surrey
    From £330 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    The Fitz-Elliot Duo are an elegant and unique musical accompaniment, suitable for many events such as Weddings, private parties and Corporate events. Repertoire includes favourites & renditions of popular songs.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Fitz-Elliott Duo's profile page >
  • Occasions String Quartet  Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Occasions String Quartet  
    String Quartets
    Based in Liverpool
    From £505 + for all events for your Wedding Ceremony

    The Classic Occasions String Quartet is a professional string quartet based in Liverpool. They are available for hire for a wide variety of occasions from wedding and private function, to corporate product launches and parties.

    View Occasions String Quartet 's profile page >
  • Persephone Duo Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Persephone Duo 
    Harpists
    Based in London
    From £420 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    The London based Flute and Cello duo Persephone regularly perform for private and corporate events. Their classical education and interest in contemporary styles of music make the duo the perfect choice for any occasion.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Persephone Duo's profile page >
  • Pink Champagne  Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Pink Champagne  
    String Quartets
    Based in Cornwall
    From £594+ for your Wedding Ceremony

    Working mainly in Devon and Cornwall, Pink Champagne are a versatile group of classically trained professional musicians who specialise in playing light classical & popular background music to suit all tastes.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Pink Champagne 's profile page >
  • Four Seasons String Quartet Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Four Seasons String Quartet 
    String Quartets
    Based in Devon
    From £550+ for your Wedding Ceremony

    Covering the Cornwall, Devon & Somerset, this outstanding string quartet is available for concerts, weddings, parties & corporate functions. They have a varied repertoire to suit all tastes and are very pleasant & easy to work with.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Four Seasons String Quartet's profile page >
  • Maxine Molin (Harpist) Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Maxine Molin (Harpist) 
    Harpists
    Based in Lancashire
    From £210 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    A stunning harpist based in Manchester who has been playing since the age of 4. Perfect for weddings, corporate events and private parties.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Maxine Molin (Harpist)'s profile page >
  • Alina Bzhezhinska (harpist) Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony Alina Bzhezhinska (harpist) 
    Harpists
    Based in Edinburgh
    From £222 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    Alina Bzhezhinska is an international harpist based in Edinburgh. Her diversified repertoire includes classical, folk and jazz music. She arranges and composes jazz music for harp and has been inspired into making arrangements for the clarsach.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View Alina Bzhezhinska (harpist)'s profile page >
  • BC Harp (Harpist) Live Music to hire for a Wedding Ceremony BC Harp (Harpist) 
    Harpists
    Based in Merseyside
    From £240 + for your Wedding Ceremony

    BC Harp is a professional, highly experienced harpist and her selection of music includes some of the well known popular and smooth jazz melodies, as well as the extensive repertoire of traditional Irish, Welsh and Scottish tunes.

    Listen Listen to a sample

    View BC Harp (Harpist)'s profile page >


Popular traditional song choices for the arrival of the bride and for use during the wedding ceremony
  • 'Air (On A G String)' by Bach
  • 'Ave Maria' by Gounod
  • 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by Handel
  • 'Canon in D' by Pachelbel
  • 'Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring' by Bach
  • 'Water Music : In D Alla Hornpipe' by Handel
  • 'Wedding March' by Mendlessohn
  • 'Hallelujah Chorus' by Handel
  • 'Nimrod from enigma variations' by Elgar
  • 'Symphony No. 40 In G Minor' by Mozart
  • 'Minuet For String Quartet' by Boccherini
  • Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark's March) by Clarke
  • 'Flower Duet (Lakmé)' by Delibes
  • 'Peer Gynt' by Greig
  • 'Sheep May Safely Graze' by Bach
  • 'Voi Che Sapete from Marriage of Figaro' by Mozart
  • 'Waltz Of The Cornflowers and Poppies' by Glazunov
  • 'The Four Seasons - Spring' by Vivaldi
  • 'Sleepers Awake' by Bach
  • 'The Four Seasons - Summer' by Vivaldi
  • 'Symphony No.6 - Pastorale' by Beethoven
Popular contemporary song choices
  • Here the and everywhere (The Beatles)
  • All you need is love (The Beatles)
  • First time ever I saw your face (Ewan MacColl)
  • Have I told you lately (Van Morrison)
  • You are so beautiful (Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher)
  • Come away with me (Nora Jones)
  • Stand by me (Ben E, King)
  • Everything I do (Bryan Adams)
  • Can't help falling in love (Elvis)
  • Foxy Lady (Jimi Hendrix)
  • Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix)
  • Lets stay together (Al Green)
  • Isn't she lovely (Stevie Wonder)
  • Song bird (Fleetwood Mac)
  • Somewhere over the rainbow (Eva Cassidy)
  • Every breath you take (The Police)
  • Love is all around (The Troggs)
  • Your song (Elton John)
  • Can you feel the love tonight (Elton John)
  • Greatest Day (Take That)
  • One day like this (Elbow)
Accompaniment during the ceremony

It's now quite common to have some form of musical accompaniment during your wedding ceremony. Many couples also choose to mix traditional hymns with more popular songs and some form of accompaniment helps to ensure the songs stay structured and in tune!

It's quite easy to arrange accompaniment from a string quartet, pianist, organist or maybe even a solo guitarist/singer.

Also remember that often an ensemble can be made up from members of your evening band, you'll just need to pay them extra to arrive early.

Music during the photographs

Don't forget that after the ceremony there is often a big gap before the drinks reception where pictures are taken. As the happy couple, you'll be busy and won't have time to get bored. However, the same unfortunately can't be said for the majority of your guests. Ensure your live music continues whilst photos are taken with the musicians relocated out side the church or at your wedding venue.

If your photos are being taken whilst the drinks reception has already started, then please read our 'entertainment for a wedding drinks reception' guide.

Remember, we're here to make your wedding amazing. What ever you want, ask us and we'll do everything we can to make it happen!

Popular wedding ceremony music

String Quartets for your wedding ceremony
Wedding Quartet
A popular choice! Can play classical, jazz & pop.
View wedding quartets >
Wedding Ceremony Harpists
Wedding Harpist
A magical sound, economical on cost and space.
View Wedding Harpists >
Wedding Ceremony Pianists
Wedding Pianist
Instrumental or with vocals, varied repertoire.
View Wedding Pianists >
Wedding Ceremony Pipers
Pipers
A traditional favourite and a must for Scots families.
View Pipers >
Classical Music Wedding Ceremony
Classical Music
Various ensembles from strings to wind instruments.
View Classical Music >
Wedding Ceremony Classical Guitarists
Guitarists
Classical, spanish & flamenco guitar for a romantic mood.
View Guitarists >
Wedding Ceremony Singers
Ceremony Singers
Opera singers, Tennors, Sopranos, say it with a song!
View Ceremony Singers >
Wedding Ceremony Gospel Choirs
Gospel Choirs
Available in various sizes, a capella or with instruments.
View Gospel Choirs >








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