How Much Does It Cost to Hire String Musicians in London?
Hiring string musicians in London typically costs between £350 and £2,500+, depending on the ensemble size, duration, location, and the musicians’ level of experience. Cheaper ensembles are less likely to have the same level of experience and playing standard as professionals. Professional string ensembles offer elegant, live music that enhances weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
Below is a clear breakdown to help you budget confidently. For String Musicians London’s pricelist, contact us directly!
Average Cost of String Musicians in London
String Ensemble Price Guide (London)
- Soloist: £300 – £600
- String Duo: £450 – £800
- String Trio: £570 – £900
- String Quartet: £700 – £1,400
- Larger String Ensembles / Mini Orchestra: £1,800 – £3,500+
These are estimates and prices vary from business to business, depending on the professionalism, experience and quality of the musicians. Prices typically cover:
- Up to 1–3 hours of live performance
- Professional musicians
- A wide repertoire of classical & modern music
What Affects the Cost of Hiring String Musicians?
1. Number of Musicians
Larger ensembles create a richer sound but of course are more pricey due to additional musicians.
2. Length of Performance
Most bookings include set performances with breaks. Longer bookings are more expensive than shorter ones.
3. Event Location
This depends where the musicians are based. For London-based ensembles like String Musicians London, events and weddings in the city are cheaper than those outside of central London. Depending on the location of the musicians and where your venue is, there may be a travel fee involved.
4. Music Requests
Special song arrangements or learning new pieces may involve an extra fee. String Musicians London offers one piece of music for free, as long as the sheet music is available!
5. Date & Season
Peak wedding season (May–September) and days such as New Year’s Eve events, or those on public holidays, often book at higher rates.
Are Professional String Musicians Worth the Cost?
Yes, absolutely! Professional string musicians provide:
- High musical quality
- Experience with prestigious venues in London and elsewhere in the UK and abroad
- Elegant presentation and reliability
- Flexibility to adapt to live event timings
Unlike amateur performers, professionals understand event flow (this is so important during your wedding ceremony!), acoustics, and client expectations.
How to Save Money When Hiring String Musicians
- Choose a string trio or a duo instead of a quartet for smaller venues
- Book ceremony-only coverage rather than full-day music
- Avoid last-minute bookings where possible
- Book directly with an established, reliable company like String Musicians London rather than an agency – agencies charge commission fees
FAQs: String Music Pricing in London
How much does a string quartet cost for a wedding in London?
Most professional quartets range from £700–£1,400.
Is live string music more expensive than a DJ?
Yes, but it offers a very different experience and atmosphere.
Do string musicians charge per hour?
Usually pricing is based on packages rather than hourly rates.
Final Thoughts on Cost
Live string music is an investment in atmosphere, elegance, and guest experience. For weddings and events in London and further afield, working with experienced, professional musicians ensures peace of mind and the best quality. Contact us at String Musicians London now and let’s work together to make your event memorable!