How to Book a String Quartet for Your Wedding
There’s something about a string quartet at a wedding that really takes the atmosphere of the day to the next level. The timeless symphonies of a wedding string quartet deliver a romantic ambience that just can’t be beaten – it’s little wonder they’re a popular choice of wedding entertainment.
But alongside classical arrangements and the odd film soundtrack, string quartets often have more in their repertoires than you might think. You may be surprised to hear versions of modern-day hits that you won’t hear anywhere else.
From the music a string quartet can play at your wedding to the questions to ask before you book them, our guide below has everything you need to know about finding the right musicians for your day.
Disclaimer: Venue and supplier availability, pricing, and offerings are subject to change. Always confirm details directly with the venue or supplier before booking.
Bridebook-Approved Wedding String Quartets in the UK
If you’re ready to explore suppliers, here are some Bridebook-approved wedding string quartets from across the UK to get you started.
Kara Strings – London
As a quartet of exceptional musicians trained at the UK’s top conservatoires, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, it’s little wonder Kara Strings is one of the capital’s most sought-after ensembles. Choose from solo options to a full chamber orchestra.
Best for: multiple ensemble sizes
Ulster String Quartet – Belfast
For couples looking for a string quartet for a wedding in Northern Ireland, allow us to point you in the direction of the Ulster String Quartet whose ‘USQ Jukebox’ – a song list made up of fun pop tunes which you and your guests can choose from on the day – is always a hit!
Best for: on-the-day requests
India Rose Strings – West Yorkshire
From modern music to movie themes, classical favourites to jazz and musical theatre, there isn’t anything cellist Chloe and her ensemble at India Rose Strings in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, can’t perform. Even bespoke arrangements are an option. The brilliant group have won multiple awards for their passionate wedding performances.
Best for: a wide repertoire
4tissimo String Quartet – Devon
4tissimo String Quartet in South Brent, Devon, have garnered countless five-star reviews, and it’s easy to see why. In fact, you may even have spotted them at one or two high-profile weddings and events! Enjoy everything from Motown and Rat-Pack tunes to modern rock and pop.
Best for: great deals on quartet ceremony and drinks packages
The Akina String Quartet – Hampshire
The versatile musicians behind The Akina String Quartet make the group perfect for every style of wedding, whether you want them to bring energy to a drinks reception or set a romantic tone for your vows.
Best for: a wide repertoire; energetic performances
When Does a String Quartet Perform at a Wedding?
Everything you need to know about when a string quartet can perform on your wedding day.
- Ceremony: Subtle and romantic, a string quartet for your wedding ceremony is a beautiful way to set the tone for your vows and tends to be the most popular booking. Have your quartet play you down the aisle, provide some background music for the signing of the register and then again for the recessional, as you both walk out. Remember, while live music for your ceremony is often a possibility, always confirm with your wedding venue in advance.
- Drinks reception: The second most popular booking for wedding string quartets is as guests are chatting and mingling during the drinks reception. The ambient background music works beautifully as an extension of your ceremony music, so many couples choose to book both as a package.
- Wedding breakfast: For those couples who want live music during dinner, a string quartet can work well – stick to ambient, lower-energy tunes so as not to compete with the table chatter.
A string quartet wouldn’t typically perform at the evening reception when the goal is to bring the energy and party atmosphere – this is when you should look to a wedding DJ or other live musical acts to get the dancefloor rocking.
What Music Can a Wedding String Quartet Play?
When it comes to choosing the music for your wedding day, it’s best to think about your wedding almost like a play with multiple acts. While every part of the ‘show’ – the ceremony, the drinks reception, the wedding breakfast and the after-party – should feel connected in some way, they should also have their own tone.
This is where a string quartet really comes into its own – string quartet wedding songs vary more than you might think!
- Classical: An obvious musical option, and for good reason. Pachelbel’s Canon in D remains one of the most requested string quartet wedding ceremony songs, while other classical, processional-worthy tunes like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Bach’s Air on a G String and Handel’s Water Music set to strings create an unparalleled ambience.
- Contemporary pop and chart hits: Professional string quartets carry extensive repertoires, and that includes a wide selection of modern love songs and pop hits. Songs with palpable energy by artists like Bruno Mars (Marry You, anyone?), Ed Sheeran, Adele, Coldplay, John Legend and Beyoncé can sound incredible on strings, whether it’s for a processional, recessional or drinks reception.
- Film and TV favourites: The presence of a string quartet already brings a Regency era-style charm and cinematic sound, so it seems fitting that many couples would request soundtracks from the likes of Bridgerton alongside other film and TV favourites such Game of Thrones and Harry Potter.
- Bespoke arrangements: If you’re planning on having your first dance early on in the day, your choice of song set to strings is a really romantic way to do it! Or perhaps you have a certain song in mind for your string quartet wedding processional. Many string quartets will offer bespoke arrangements, but always check and agree this in advance as it may carry an additional fee.
String Quartet vs Solo Musician: Which is Right For Your Wedding?
Whether you choose a string quartet or a solo musician depends a lot on the size and style of your wedding. The richer, cinematic sound and generally larger physical footprint of a string quartet makes them a great option for large-scale weddings and grander venues, while a soloist tends to work better at smaller celebrations and compact venues with a more intimate atmosphere.
We’ve outlined the basics below to help you choose the right kind of performer for your day:
A string quartet will suit you if:
- You have a large-scale venue or ceremony space – a quartet will fill the room both physically and with a richer, fuller sound
- You want a formal or traditional feel to your day
- You’re looking for entertainment across both your ceremony and drinks reception
A solo musician (violin, harpist, cellist or acoustic guitar) will suit you if:
- Your wedding venue or ceremony space is more intimate or acoustically sensitive
- You want a more understated and personal feel to the celebrations
- You have a tighter entertainment budget
Remember, if you’re looking for something between the two in terms of cost and sound, a wedding string trio or string duo is also an option.
How Much Does a Wedding String Quartet Cost in the UK?
The cost of a wedding string quartet in the UK typically sits somewhere between £800 and £1,800 for a ceremony and drinks reception combined – and to put that in context, according to the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, couples spend an average of £844 on wedding entertainment overall. Naturally, there are factors that will impact the overall price. These include:
- Location and travel: If you have your heart set on a particular string quartet for your wedding but they aren’t local to your venue, expect to pay travel fees on top of the price of hire. The location will also impact your string quartet wedding cost – ensembles in London and the south-east of England tend to command higher rates than regions such as the north and Northern Ireland, for example.
- Duration and number of slots: How long would you like your wedding string quartet to perform and when? Ensembles will often offer packages across the ceremony and drinks reception, but adding on the wedding breakfast or other parts of the day will cost more.
- Equipment: Acoustics matter – and if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or you’re getting married in a particularly large space, additional amplification might be needed. Always check with your string quartet if they provide their own PA systems and equipment or if there is anything your venue will need to support with.
What to Ask a Wedding String Quartet Before You Book
Before you book, run through these questions with any string quartet you’re considering.
- Can I see a full repertoire list, including classic and contemporary options?
- Do you have any testimonials you can share?
- Can you learn or arrange a specific piece for our processional, recessional or first dance?
- Are you willing to perform outside and are there any restrictions on this?
- Do you provide your own PA system and equipment, or do you play acoustically?
- Have you performed with the same musicians before?
- How long do you need to set up before the ceremony begins?
- Do you have a dress code, or can you adapt your attire to match our wedding style?
- What is your contingency plan if a member of your quartet is unable to perform on the day?
- Do you charge separately for travel, and what are your requirements for parking at the venue?
Booking a String Quartet for Your Wedding: FAQ
How much does a string quartet cost for a wedding in the UK?
A wedding string quartet in the UK typically costs between £800 and £1,800 for a combined ceremony and drinks reception booking. According to Bridebook data, which draws on insight from 2.8 million couples, couples spend an average of £844 on wedding entertainment – making a string quartet a well-placed investment within a typical budget.
Things that may impact the overall price include the location and any travel fees, how long they are needed to perform, and any bespoke requirements such as learning an arrangement especially for your first dance or processional.
Remember, a string trio or duo is also an option if you’re balancing wedding costs and looking for something at a lower price point.
What music does a wedding string quartet play?
Most wedding string quartets will offer a broad repertoire covering classical music, jazz, contemporary pop, and modern love songs, as well as film and TV soundtracks.
Popular string quartet ceremony songs include Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé covers, and pieces from Bridgerton and Love Actually.
When does a string quartet play at a wedding?
The ceremony is the most popular slot – including as guests arrive, the processional, the signing of the register and the recessional. However, many couples also choose to include a string quartet in their drink reception as an extension of the same booking.
The wedding breakfast is also an option if you’d like ambient live music in the background to dinner.
How do I find a wedding string quartet near me?
Search for wedding string quartets by location on Bridebook – covering London, Surrey, Yorkshire, Northern Ireland, and everywhere in between. Compare profiles and enquire directly with wedding musicians and string quartets on Bridebook.
Do I need a PA system for a string quartet at my wedding?
A string quartet will usually play acoustically at an indoor ceremony and drinks reception – and it’s often preferred that way. However, for outdoor ceremonies, particularly large venues or spaces with challenging acoustics where the sound doesn’t carry that well, a PA system may be needed.
Some string quartets will provide their own equipment, always check before you book in case you need to arrange this with the venue.
Why Trust Bridebook
Bridebook is the world’s #1 wedding planning platform, used by over 2.8 million couples. Our content is informed by real data from the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, which draws on responses from thousands of couples planning their weddings each year. Where expert input is included, contributors are named and their credentials verified. We update our articles regularly to ensure prices, statistics, and advice reflect current market conditions.
You Might Also Like…
- How Much Does Wedding Music Cost in the UK?
- Wedding Entertainment Ideas: 35 Ways to Entertain Your Guests
- How to Save Money on Wedding Entertainment
- The Ultimate Wedding Budget Breakdown
Related articles
