How to Hire a Wedding Magician
With their ability to fill the room with laughter, elicit joint gasps of amazement, and deliver wedding entertainment that fits all kinds of personalities and energy levels, it’s little wonder wedding magicians are having a moment.
Unlike a wedding band or DJ, who will anchor the evening festivities, a close-up magician will work the room during key parts of your wedding day.
And they’re more than just a time-filler: from the drinks reception to the wedding breakfast, and even heading into the evening, these are the moments amongst your guests when bonds form and memories are made. An interactive, roaming magician is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re planning a big black-tie bash or an intimate affair.
But where do you start in your search for wedding magician hire, and how much does a wedding magician cost? Ahead, we’ve covered everything you need to know about where to look and what to expect, with tips on the best time to have a wedding magician present at your day, too.
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 Magicians in the UK
If you’re ready to explore suppliers, here are some Bridebook-approved wedding magicians from across the UK to get you started!
Chris Dodd Magic – London
Looking for a wedding magician in London? With his endlessly entertaining tricks and warm energy, it’s easy to see why MC and magician Chris Dodd gets booked up months in advance. Choose from packages that include close-up magic and entertainment, as well as key announcements and on-the-day time management.
Best for: Couples who want a host in addition to entertainment
Sebastian Farr Magician – Somerset
If he can impress the likes of David Beckham and Ben Shepherd with his performances, we’re pretty sure Weston-Super-Mare-based magician Sebastian Farr will wow your guests, too. Funny, diverse and a complete pro – everything you want for your wedding entertainment.
Best for: Modern couples who want to steer clear of cheesy lines and outdated magician stereotypes
The Wedding Witch Magic & Tarot – Wolverhampton
Ready to give your guests the opportunity to peek into their future and hire a magician for your wedding? Allow us to point you in the direction of Careena, The Wedding Witch, whose magic tricks and tarot readings are perfect for those who want a reception with a difference.
Best for: The addition of a wedding tarot experience
Chris Garside Magician – Bedfordshire
For couples across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and London, Chris Garside’s close-up magic definitely brings the smiles. He can even add comedy ventriloquism as an optional add-on.
Best for: Classic tricks and a little comedy; plenty of audience interaction
Dave Reubens Magician – Edinburgh
Having sold out multiple solo shows at the likes of Edinburgh Fringe and across Australia, Dave Reuben’s performances are exciting, varied and nothing short of brilliant. He incorporates a range of close-up magic types too, including fire, cards, coins and more.
Best for: Mind-blowing magic; wow-factor entertainment
When Does a Wedding Magician Perform?
A magician will help take your festivities to the next level no matter where you slot them into your wedding day, but here are the key areas to focus on:
Drinks reception
Wedding magicians couldn’t be more suited to a post-ceremony party, and the drinks reception is the most popular slot for bookings. It also provides something for guests to engage in beyond eating and drinking, without everyone needing to be in one place.
A wedding magician will typically be able to cover around 30 to 50 guests in a 90-minute slot, working the crowd in an effortless and relaxed way.
Wedding breakfast
Another popular slot, having a wedding magician perform in between courses when guests are seated works well.
A good magician will coordinate with the catering team to ensure their timing is spot-on, as well as adapt their approach to suit seated guests. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the show…
The photographs
Typically couples will have their wedding portraits and formal photographs during the drinks reception but not all weddings are that formulaic. A wedding magician is a fun and interactive way to keep your guests occupied during any gaps like this, though, with zero performance space required.
Evening reception
Contrary to popular belief, your evening entertainment doesn’t have to stop on the edge of the dancefloor, and while having a wedding magician at this time is less common, it is possible depending on the style of your celebration.
Close-up magic likely won’t compete well with the low light and noise of a huge party, but could work for more intimate occasions.
Types of Wedding Magic
Close-up magic
Also known as ‘sleight of hand’, close-up magic using everyday objects like cards, coins, and borrowed items is the most popular choice for weddings in the UK.
There are many of us who have experienced this kind of magic first hand – think playing cards that repeatedly rise to the top of the deck, or vanishing objects like balls or coins that suddenly appear in guests’ pockets out of nowhere. These types of tricks work brilliantly for drinks receptions and table-to-table at the wedding breakfast.
Mentalism and mind-reading
For modern-day couples who want wedding entertainment that really sparks conversation, this growing form of magic is less about the visual spectacle, more about wowing your guests with psychological illusions. It is another great option for cocktail hour and tables.
Stage magic
This less popular style of magic works best at larger weddings of 150 guests or more, where it might be difficult for a wedding magician to work the room. You’ll also need a dedicated performance space and to organise elements such as the lighting and layout with your wedding venue ahead of time.
How Much Does a Wedding Magician Cost?
A wedding magician in the UK will typically cost somewhere between £400 and £900 for 2-3 hour booking.
According to Bridebook, the UK’s #1 wedding planning platform used by over 2.8 million couples, the average spend on wedding entertainment in the UK is £844. That figure covers a range of entertainment types, so a magician booked for a drinks reception sits comfortably within, or below, that budget for most couples.
Of course, there are things that will impact wedding magician prices, and whether or not they work for your wedding budget, including:
- Experience and profile: Naturally, magicians who are well-established and experienced performers will cost more than those who perhaps don’t have so much wedding experience or who are just starting out in the industry.
- Duration of hire: How long you intend to have your wedding magician perform will impact the overall price. Most offer two-hour packages as standard but you may want to add on a third hour for an additional cost.
- Package options: Always ask what is included as standard. Some magicians will include things like a pre-wedding consultation, for example, while others will charge extra for these. Some also offer additional services, such as hosting and MC duties.
- Location and travel: If you have your heart set on a wedding magician who isn’t local to your venue, keep in mind that you will have to pay travel costs on top of their day rate. Where you are getting married may impact the cost too – pros in London and the south-east tend to command higher rates compared to their regional counterparts.
What to Look For When Booking a Wedding Magician
Finding the right person who can start (and keep) the wedding party going is key. Here are five things to look for when choosing a magician for a wedding reception:
- Wedding-specific experience: A magician who works corporate events or children’s parties will naturally operate differently, so it’s important to ask specifically about their wedding experience. Ask how many weddings they do each year and whether they can share any testimonials from other couples.
- A showreel or demo video: Any wedding magician worth their salt will have videos of their acts. Watch not just the tricks themselves, but how they interact with guests – and the guests’ reactions.
- Clear communication: This is key! A good magician will need to know details about your venue, the number of guests you’re having, information on any guests who might need a gentler approach or who would not enjoy being put on the spot, plus your on-the-day wedding schedule.
- Good reviews: Look out for reviews from wedding couples specifically – wedding magic has its own kind of dynamic. Look at where the magician performed on the day and what their guests thought of the entertainment.
- Public liability insurance: As a basic ask for a pro entertainer, public liability insurance is non-negotiable. Always check this (and ask to see the certificate if needed) before booking.
Questions to Ask a Wedding Magician Before You Book
- How many guests can you cover in a two-hour drinks reception?
- Do you have wedding experience, and experience working alongside photographers and videographers? (Ask this if you want the magic captured on your day)
- What will you perform on the day? (A varied repertoire means every group of guests gets a different experience, and those near each other won’t see the same trick twice)
- What will you wear? Can you wear something that fits with our wedding dress code?
- What is your contingency plan if you are unwell or unable to perform on the day?
- Can you adapt your performance for specific guests, including children or elderly guests, or guests who speak limited English?
- Do you charge separately for travel, and do you have any parking requirements at the venue?
Wedding Magician Hire FAQ
How much does a wedding magician cost in the UK?
Most wedding magicians in the UK charge between £400 and £900 for a 2-3 hour booking. However, there are various things that will impact this cost, including the location of your wedding, the duration you book your magician for, and the package you have selected.
Your wedding magician’s experience and profile will also determine how expensive they are.
When is the best time to have a wedding magician?
The drinks reception, when guests are standing, chatting and circulating, is often the best time and the most popular slot with couples in the UK. Some couples will also book a magician for the wedding breakfast. During this time, a magician can work table to table in between courses.
Do I need a magician at my wedding?
A wedding magician is not an essential, but it can be a great entertainment option for couples who want something fun, relaxed, and interactive to fill the gaps in between the ceremony and wedding breakfast, or as a form of entertainment in between courses.
Unlike other forms of wedding entertainment, like a band, DJ or string quartet, a magician doesn’t require a dedicated performance space or window, or equipment such as a sound system.
Ultimately, whether you hire a magician for your wedding is up to you!
How do I find a wedding magician near me?
You can browse and compare wedding magicians across the UK on Bridebook. Search by location to find magicians near your venue, view profiles, and enquire directly. Find a wedding magician near you on Bridebook.
Is a magician at a wedding tacky?
When done well, having a magician at your wedding isn’t tacky at all. Close up magic works particularly well because it’s personal and intimate rather than showy.
The key is to find a wedding magician who matches the style of your wedding and your personalities – look for someone who has a great, genuine rapport with guests and other couples, as well as a strong showreel of tricks.
Ready to find a wedding magician near you?
Browse magicians and entertainment suppliers on Bridebook, compare prices, and enquire today.
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.
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