The Complete String Quartet Booking Guide for 2024: Tips, Costs and FAQs

A traditional string quartet features four string players to include two violin players, a viola player and a cellist. The violinists take on the main melodies with mid-range and bass parts taken on by the viola player and cellist respectively.

Together the instruments create a full and rich sound loud enough to cater for most weddings without the need for additional amplification.

Yes, most string quartets offer smaller line-ups such as a string duo or string trio to allow for smaller budgets and indeed smaller venues.

Duo line-ups can vary but offerings may typically include a violin and cello, two violins or a violin and viola. For a trio you’ll find the most common line-up will include violin, cello and viola for a full and rounded sound.

String quartets can be hired to cover either the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast or a combination of the three. We find the most popular option is the wedding ceremony – nothing quite beats the resonating sound of a string quartet in a church or large venue.

A ceremony will typically consist of the following:

• Prelude: 15-25 minutes performance prior to the ceremony as guests arrive
• Processional & Bridal Entrance song: The all-important song as the bridesmaids and bride enters
• Interlude / Signing of the Registers: Two or three songs during the signing of the registers
• Recessional: A final piece of music as the bride and groom exit followed by the wedding party and their guests

String quartets are the ideal choice for a champagne reception (drinks reception or cocktail hour) and the wedding breakfast as they are non-intrusive and yet loud enough to create a sophisticated ambience for you and your guests.

Some string quartets quote package prices to cover various sections of the day. However, the most common way for quartets to quote will be to offer an hourly rate. This will be based on the total time they spend at the venue rather than the amount of performance time.

As with all musicians, costs can vary from one string quartet to the next depending on their level of experience, background and proximity to the venue. The average price of a string quartet for a wedding is between £650 and £1000.

String quartets are extremely popular in the peak summer months from May to September, so if your wedding falls on a Saturday during that period we recommend booking around 12 months in advance.

With summer weddings being the overwhelming choice for most couples, it’s no surprise that many ceremonies are held outdoors – even with the looming prospect of our typical British weather!

With this in mind you’ll no doubt have alternative arrangements in place, however, it’s worth noting that string quartets will still need a gazebo or shade if playing outside in hot weather. The reason for this is that their instruments are incredibly fragile (and often very expensive) and any prolonged exposure to heat can cause severe damage.

Performing in Cold Weather

It goes without saying that rain is something to avoid, but if you’re having an out-of-season wedding you’ll also need to remember that musicians aren’t able to play in extremely low temperatures as their fingers may simply stop working! If in doubt, speak to your agency or band leader and they will advise on the appropriate measures to take.

We recommend a minimum area of 3 x 2 meters for a string quartet - this will allow enough room to arrange their chairs in a semi-circle with music stands in front of them.

As well as a gazebo your string quartet may also request armless chairs from the venue. The musicians will always provide their own music stands.

The great thing about a string quartet is that they perform completely unplugged and so there’s no need for a PA system unless hiring a specialist electric string quartet.

Most classical and modern pop arrangements are specifically written for a quartet and so you’ll find groups offer a wide and varied repertoire to choose from. This will usually include a large selection from well known composers such as Mozart, Bach, Wagner, Beethoven and Vivaldi alongside arrangements of everything from musicals, TV & Film to contemporary chart songs.

Below are some of the top wedding songs to get you started, but you don’t have to stick to the tried and tested favourites; just take a look at some of our string quartets set lists for more ideas.

Popular Classical Ceremony Songs

• Canon in D - Pachelbel
• Bridal Chorus - Wagner
• A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
• Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole
• Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Handel
• Air on a G string – Bach
• Eine Kleine Nachtmusik – Mozart
• Wedding March – Mendelssohn

Popular Contemporary Ceremony Songs

• Songbird – Eva Cassidy
• Chasing Cars – Snowpatrol
• Yesterday – The Beatles
• Perfect – Ed Sheeran
• Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold
• Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
• How Deep is Your Love – Bee Gees
• Elbow - One Day Like This
• All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
• Wonderwall – Oasis
• Make You Feel My Love - Adele
• Hoppipolla – Sigur Ros

Absolutely, even if a song isn’t already in the quartet’s repertoire, it’s usually possible to either acquire the sheet music online for a small fee or put together a brand new arrangement. Song arrangements do take time and so this would incur a small charge to cover the band leader’s time.

It's common for string musicians to wear all black unless otherwise specified or hinted at in their promotional photos. String quartets are usually more than happy to change their dress code to accommodate your wedding theme, whether that be bright summer colours or traditional Asian or Jewish dress. If you have a specific theme in mind, we always recommend speaking to your agent or band leader prior to making a booking.

Use our Quick Search feature at the top of the page to browse through string quartets in your region, from here you can listen to mp3s, watch sample live videos and view the quartets repertoire.

Once you’ve found something you like the look of simply drop us an enquiry using the enquiry form and we’ll come back to you with price and availability.