A violinist turns the most important half hour of your wedding into something your guests will remember. Gentle music as everyone arrives. Your song as you walk down the aisle. A few pieces while you sign the register. Then something joyful as you leave as a married couple.
We find the right solo violinist near your venue, send you their videos and an all-inclusive price, and look after the booking right through to the day. Ceremony music starts at £425 for the first hour, which covers the guests arriving and the ceremony itself.
Our ceremony violinists
Lyra
Acoustic, electric and LED violinist, trained at Oxford and the Royal Academy of Music.
Cavatina
Violinist and singer: classical, pop, folk, ceilidh and Bollywood.
Aria
Acoustic, electric and baroque violinist who plays her whole set from memory.
Rondo
Violinist, composer and loop pedal performer, with over 300 pieces to choose from.
Cantata
Royal Northern College of Music violinist. Classical, pop and musical theatre.
Bravura
Classical violinist and Celtic fiddler, entirely live with no backing tracks.
Celeste
Classically trained violinist on a five-string electric Violectra.
Seraphina
Elegant solo violinist who played at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.
Aurelia
Acoustic and electric violinist, and a War of the Worlds arena tour performer.
Serenade
Conservatoire-trained, award-winning violinist on acoustic and electric violin.
Bellissima
RNCM-trained violinist, pianist and multi-instrumentalist for elegant live wedding music.
Francisca
Royal Academy of Music graduate with the highest honours. Song requests included.
Ember
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate who has played at the BBC Proms.
Cadence
Classical and Celtic violinist for ceremonies, receptions and ceilidhs.
Virtuoso
Nearly 30 years' experience. Classical and contemporary, on acoustic or electric violin.
Dolce
Classical, pop and rock fusion, on acoustic or LED electric violin.
Caprice
Award-winning violinist with over 20 years' experience: classical, film and pop.
Allegro
From Bach to Bollywood, with a big classical concerto repertoire.
Vivace
Classical and electric violin, and happy to play alongside your DJ.
Adagio
Over 30 years' experience and 7,000 events, on classical and electric violin.
Bliss
100% live violin: pop, Disney, film, classical, folk and jazz.
Sonata
Electric and acoustic violinist with over 20 years' experience.
Melodia
Berklee scholarship violinist and composer, from Abbey Road to Caribbean cruises.
Serenata
Classically trained violinist, happy to learn new pieces for your wedding.
Eleganza
Electric violinist who has played the Royal Albert Hall and the Shard.
Harmonia
Has played hundreds of weddings, on acoustic or electric violin.
How ceremony music works, moment by moment
Here is how a typical ceremony runs, and what the violinist plays at each point. Your violinist will go through it all with you before the day.
1. Guests arriving (about 30 minutes before)
The violinist starts around half an hour before the ceremony, playing relaxed music while your guests find their seats. It sets the mood straight away and fills that slightly awkward waiting time. Popular choices: Air on the G String (Bach), Spring from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi), Can’t Help Falling in Love, Yellow (Coldplay).
2. Walking down the aisle
The violinist watches for the signal and starts your entrance song as the doors open, timing it so the music reaches a natural end as you arrive at the front. Popular choices: Canon in D (Pachelbel), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), Perfect (Ed Sheeran), Linger (The Cranberries).
3. Signing the register (about 5 to 10 minutes)
Usually two or three pieces while you sign and have your photos taken at the table. This is a good moment for a song that means something to you both. Popular choices: All of Me (John Legend), Make You Feel My Love, One Day Like This (Elbow), Clair de Lune (Debussy).
4. The exit
Something upbeat as you walk back up the aisle together. Popular choices: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel), the Wedding March (Mendelssohn), A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay), Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
5. The drinks reception (optional, 1 to 2 hours)
Many couples keep the violinist on after the ceremony. Guests mingle with a drink and canapés while you have your photographs taken, and the music keeps the atmosphere going. A mix of classical favourites and modern pop works well here.
For more ideas, see our list of top violin songs for a wedding.
How long do you need the violinist for?
- 1 hour: guests arriving and the ceremony. This suits most register office and venue ceremonies, which last about 20 to 30 minutes.
- 2 hours: the ceremony plus the start of the drinks reception, while you have your photos taken.
- 3 hours or more: the ceremony, the whole drinks reception, and sometimes music as guests go in for the wedding breakfast.
A church ceremony often runs longer (45 minutes to an hour), so allow a little more time. If you’re not sure, tell us your timings and we’ll suggest the right length. If your plans change later, you can usually add time.
What it costs
Ceremony music starts at £425 for the first hour, and each extra hour is from £95. Our 2027 weddings so far have ranged from £395 to £650, including the violinist’s travel. Read our wedding violinist price guide for real examples.
Things to check with your venue
- Music rules. Some register offices and churches have rules about which songs can be played in the ceremony. In a civil ceremony, music with religious words usually isn’t allowed. Check with your registrar or vicar early.
- Space. The violinist needs a spot near the front where they can see the doors, so they know when to start your entrance song.
- Outdoor ceremonies. Violins don’t like rain or strong sun, so the violinist will need shade and cover.
- Electric violin. If you’d like an electric violinist, they need a power socket nearby.
Booking your ceremony violinist
- Send us your details using the quote form: date, venue, ceremony time and any songs you have in mind.
- Choose your violinist. We check who is free near you and send their profiles, videos and prices, usually within a day or two.
- Book online. Check your details, sign the booking agreement and pay a small deposit by card on your own secure booking page.
- Plan your music. Your violinist gets in touch before the wedding to go through your songs and timings.
Ceremony music questions
When does the violinist arrive?
Usually about 30 to 45 minutes before they start playing, so they can set up and tune quietly. They’ll agree the exact time with you.
How does the violinist know when to start the entrance song?
They stand where they can see the doors, and agree a signal with your registrar, celebrant or venue coordinator. They do this all the time.
Can the violinist learn our song?
In most cases, yes. Tell us your songs when you enquire. Many of our violinists will learn a new piece for you, and we confirm exactly what’s included before you book.
Can we have a violinist at a register office?
Yes. Violinists often play at register office and town hall ceremonies. Check the room’s rules on music and timings with the registrar.
Can the violinist stay for the drinks reception?
Yes, and most couples do. Book 2 or 3 hours instead of 1, and the violinist carries on after the ceremony while you have your photographs taken.
Also see: violinist hire, wedding violinist FAQs, what couples say and the areas we cover.