The Top 11 Best String Quartets for Hire in the UK (With Prices)

6 July 2020 (Updated 25 OCTOBER 2023)
Blog post by Adam Southall
Estimated read time: 4 minutes

In this blog post, we'll list out the 11 most popular string quartets for hire in the UK on FixTheMusic, based on the number of their confirmed bookings for 2024 and 2025.

The UK is home to some of the finest string quartets in Europe that perform regularly at high-end corporate events and celebrity weddings.

You'll see that there is a huge range of styles and that many of the string quartets offer something a bit different to make your wedding truly memorable.

Browse UK String Quartets

String quartets on FixTheMusic have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment.

FixTheMusic's string quartets perform in a variety of styles, from pop covers and jazz to classical music and film music.

They are usually able to perform as a trio or duo, if your budget is more restricted or if your event is at a smaller venue.

So here's the list of the 11 best string quartets for hire in the UK for 2024...

1. Aquarius Strings
2. Aphrodite Strings
3. Venus String Quartet
4. The Manchester String Quartet
5. Mythos Strings
6. Cinematic Strings
7. The Paragon String Quartet
8. Odyssey String Quartet
9. Amethyst Strings
10. Vivid Violin Duo
11. Utopia Strings

So let's take a closer look at the most in-demand string quartets in the UK this year...

1. Aquarius Strings
Average booking price: £2,000 - £6,000 (as of November 2023)
Location: London & Manchester

Aquarius Strings offer a bespoke service by providing flexibility in the size of the group ranging from 1-20 players.

Aquarius Strings features vibrant female electric and acoustic musicians. They are in demand to entertain at private & corporate functions in the UK and internationally.

The group can also combine with other musicians, including a DJ, sax player, bongos...

View more videos and read verified reviews of Aquarius Strings ➡️


2. Aphrodite Strings
Average booking price: £901 (as of November 2023)
Location: Manchester & London

Aphrodite Strings are one of the UK’s leading string ensembles.

They are available for hire as a quartet, trio, duo or soloist for anyone looking for exceptional string players for their special occasion.

From large corporate events, weddings and restaurant openings, to small parties, our group will provide the perfect musical experience to enhance your memorable day.

We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Middleton Lodge Estate in Richmond and Jack Barclay Bentley in Berkeley Square, London.

With a large repertoire to choose from, the music will be perfectly tailored to your occasion.

View our list of the UK's best string quartets ➡️

Music options include Classical, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Funk, Bollywood, Film/Musicals/TV Themes Hymns and Christmas carols.

They are based in Greater Manchester, but they are happy to travel to surrounding areas including Leeds, Liverpool, Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, North West, Sheffield, etc.

These are some of the most important clients they've worked for: Manchester City Football Club, University of Manchester, University of Suffolk, Northern Power Women, Audi, Royal Northern College of Music, the Palace Hotel in Manchester, the Hilton Hotel in Manchester, National Football Museum, Dancefloor Couture and Selfridges.

With a large repertoire of music to choose from, you are assured the music chosen will be perfectly tailored to your occasion.

Based in Manchester, our female string group is composed of current music students at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Middleton Lodge Estate in Richmond, UK
  • Keele Hall, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
  • Jack Barclay Bentley, Berkeley Square, London, UK
  • Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, Weston, Shrewsbury, UK
  • Amrita Hall, Bromley, UK
  • Marylebone Town Hall, London, UK
  • Merchant Taylors’ Hall, Threadneedle Street, London, UK
  • Fulham Palace, Bishop's Avenue, London, UK
  • Osea Island, Maldon, Essex, UK
  • Colton, Rugeley

We specialise in live classical, pop, and jazz music for weddings, receptions, private parties, and corporate events throughout the UK.

We are all highly experienced string players and have worked with artists such as Olly Murs, Claire Teal and Gregory Porter.

We have performed at various prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, The Grosvenor Hotel, The Sage at Gateshead, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Manchester Town Hall and Liverpool Philarmonic Hall.

We are also firm favourites for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.

One of our favourite performances has been at the Bright Star Ball in London alongside Sir Tom Jones, Jack Whitehall and Sam Bailey.

We have also performed at the Etihad Stadium for their annual Woman’s Awards Ceremony and the Coronation of Awards at the RNCM. We have even been featured on Sky News!

As well as playing the standard repertoire, we also create our own arrangements. Our session work experience includes collaborations with the RNCM Session Orchestra, the James Vezer Band, James Bradshaw and the Dom Lawson Band.

Please contact us to discuss your event. We would be delighted to play for you and make your day truly memorable.

Weddings

Aphrodite Strings play classical strings at weddings, balls, receptions, corporate events and parties.

At weddings, we often starting off with classical music of your choice during your ceremony and perhaps your wedding breakfast.

The choice is entirely yours and we will play whatever you like, or suggest music from our very extensive repertoire.

Drinks Reception

Aphrodite Strings will perform some beautiful background music to entertain your guests during the drinks reception.

The music will be a mixture of different styles, including pop, jazz and some of the most well-loved classical pieces. All or any part of the set list can be picked by yourself.

The Wedding Breakfast

Aphrodite Strings will perform some light background music as the Wedding Breakfast is served.

The setlist normally includes jazz and light pop music but we are happy to include the music of your choice.

For your first dance, we will be delighted to play the music of your choice if you wish.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Aphrodite Strings ➡️


3. Venus String Quartet
Average booking price: £1,000 - £2,000 (as of November 2023)
Location: Liverpool & London

Venus String Quartet is a professional string quartet based in Liverpool, formed at Paul McCartney’s prestigious music college The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).

Since forming in 2014, the quartet have played at VIP events for Liverpool Football Club and The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, been featured on Channel 4 as part of British Soap Opera Hollyoaks, and have performed at the Telegraph Cruise & Travel Show.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Venus String Quartet ➡️


4. The Manchester String Quartet
Average booking price: £800 - £1,600 (as of November 2023)
Location: Manchester, UK

Founded at one of the top UK music conservatoires, The Royal Northern College of Music, The Manchester String Quartet specialise in the provision of high quality live music for weddings, functions, galas and christenings.

So if you're looking to hire the finest string quartet Manchester has to offer for your wedding or event, get in touch with them!

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Manchester String Quartet ➡️


5. Mythos Strings
Average booking price: £1,000 - £2,500 (as of November 2023)
Location: London, UK

Mythos Strings are a young and stylish string group who frequently wow audiences at weddings, concerts, corporate events and parties.

Based in the UK, they are in demand to perform throughout the UK but also in Europe, the Middle East and further afield!

View more videos and read verified reviews of Mythos Strings ➡️


6. Cinematic Strings
Average booking price: £1,000 - £2,000 (as of November 2023)
Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Cinematic Strings formed in summer of 2017 as a professional quartet based in central Scotland with a specialism in world-class special arrangements for weddings ceremonies, drinks receptions and corporate events.

This talented string quartet performs an enormous range of music from classical hits to modern pop and film numbers specially arranged by our incredible team.

Cinematic Strings offer a totally personalised service so you're sure to get the music that is exactly right for your event.

We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Ballogie House in Aboyne and Crossbasket Castle in East Kilbride, Scotland.

Cinematic Strings are more than happy learning new music for your event! The quartet offer one new arrangement per booking free of charge, get in touch if you have more than one request not included on their list.

Their lineup is a standard string quartet of two violins, viola and cello. Cinematic Strings can offer a trio for ceremony only packages at a reduced fee.

The quartet is privileged to have played in the best venues Scotland has to offer.

Some of their recent venues are the likes of Mount Stuart (Bute), Mar Hall, Boclair House, Strathaven Hotel, Signet Library, Dalkeith Castle and Gretna Green.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Ballogie House, Aboyne, UK
  • Crossbasket Castle, East Kilbride, Glasgow, UK
  • The Engine Works, Lochburn Road, Wyndford, Glasgow

So, if you’re looking to hire one of Scotland’s finest string quartets, look no further than Cinematic Strings and get in touch today!

View more videos and read verified reviews of Cinematic Strings ➡️


7. The Paragon String Quartet
Average booking price: £1,477 (as of November 2023)
Location: London, UK

The Paragon String Quartet is a versatile ensemble of string players from the Royal College of Music.

They celebrate the uniqueness of each event and are committed to bringing a touch of elegance to yours. It is their priority to deliver the highest quality of musical entertainment to you and your guests.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Château Bouffémont, France
  • Burgundy, France
  • The Lanesborough Hotel, London
  • Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa, Ashford
  • John Lewis Oxford Street, London
  • The House of St Barnabas, Greek Street, London, UK.
  • Queen's House, Romney Road, London, UK
  • Old Broad Street, London

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Paragon String Quartet ➡️


8. Odyssey String Quartet
Average booking price: £1,950 (as of November 2023)
Location: London, UK

The world-renowned Odyssey electric string quartet is the industry leader in delivering high end, superbly entertaining and outstanding performances.

The four glamorous girls, all award-winning music conservatoire graduates, have combined their classical talents, creative ideas and love of performance to develop a uniquely entertaining stage show a class above the rest!

View more videos and read verified reviews of Odyssey String Quartet ➡️


9. Amethyst Strings
Average booking price: £1,189 (as of November 2023)
Location: London, UK

Amethyst Strings are a stylish female string duo, trio, quartet or quintet comprising violins and double bass.

Amethyst Strings are in great demand to perform at weddings, corporate events and private functions throughout the UK and internationally.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Amethyst Strings ➡️


10. Vivid Violin Duo
Average booking price: £1,200 - £2,000 (as of November 2023)
Location: London, UK

Vivid Violin Duo is an exciting new electric violin duo who perform jaw-dropping renditions of some of your favourite hits.

Emerging from the much-lauded Electric Orchestra, this stylish duo creates seamless improvised sets alongside a DJ, and perform a rehearsed show to backing tracks.

No strangers to the limelight, they have performed on X-Factor, Strictly Come Dancing, and have shared the stage with Lady Gaga and Bastille.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Vivid Violin Duo ➡️


11. Utopia Strings
Average booking price: £1,500 - £2,500 (as of November 2023)
Location: London, UK

Utopia Strings are a stylish string ensemble who add a touch of class to your wedding, drinks reception or corporate event.

Utopia Strings are a stunning group of musicians who provide entertainment at all events.

We are a string ensemble with a difference. Our repertoire list features all your classical favourites, but we are always keen to try something new!

You can expect to hear original, quirky arrangements of songs from musicals and films, swing classics, and modern pop songs.

Check out our extensive repertoire and if you have any other songs you'd like the group to perform for you, get in touch and we'll see what we can do!

We perform completely acoustically and are able to entertain your guests indoors or outdoors, provided there is suitable cover.

We usually ensemble perform as a quartet but we are also available as a trio or duo, depending on space and budget.

For weddings, we can entertain your guests for 30 minutes before the ceremony, and then perform music for the procession and recession of the bride and the signing of the register.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Utopia Strings ➡️


Receive quotes from string quartets

We hope you've enjoyed reading this list of the best string quartets UK has to offer in 2024.

At FixTheMusic, we list top-quality string quartets that have been selected by invitation only.

When you submit an enquiry, you'll receive quotes directly from available acts so you can compare them by watching their videos, reading their reviews and by asking them any questions you might have via our secure messaging system.

FixTheMusic is free to use – we're a secure platform for liaising with and booking outstanding musicians worldwide


Some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hiring a string quartet for your wedding or event...

We've put together some frequently asked questions for booking a string quartet. Have a read of our list below, which we hope will be helpful to you.

What instruments make up a string quartet?
2 violins, a viola and a cello.
What do string quartets require?
String quartets will require chairs — armless dining chairs are perfect. String quartets do not provide their own lighting, so they will need good overhead lighting (please note that candles are not sufficiently bright). They will also require a secure dressing room to change and leave belongings. Some string quartets will request some simple food and drink on the day, especially at longer bookings. Your string quartet will usually make you aware of this in advance of the event.
Can string quartets play outdoors?
Yes, most string quartets will be able to play outside during the summer months (May to September) but please bear the following in mind. String quartets require a completely flat surface, so if they are playing on grass, please check that it is a level surface. There should be cover from the elements. If it becomes too cold for playing outdoors (anything below about 16°C), the string quartet may request to move indoors as the cold can damage their instruments.
Do string quartets use a PA system?
Generally, string quartets don’t use any amplification, but if your event has a large number of guests and your venue has a PA system, they may be able to liaise with venue staff so the instruments are ‘miked up’.
Do some string quartets offer a trio or duo option?
Some string quartets offer the option to reduce in size to a trio or a duo. The primary advantage of this to the booker is the lower cost of these options. A trio usually consists of a violin, viola and cello, but can also consist of 2 violins and a cello. A duo will often be made up of a violin and cello. These options are also suitable for venues with limited performance space. Please note though, that trios and duos usually have more limited repertoire than full quartets. With regard to sound, there isn't much noticeable difference between a string trio and full string quartet.
Can string quartets arrange a particular song request I would like to be played?
Most string quartets offer this as an option if the request is not on their repertoire list. There will probably be a charge for the arrangement and rehearsal of your requested song(s).
Do string quartets always use the same players?
Very few quartets will always use the same four players, as most string quartet players are freelancers will other commitments. Most string quartets have a small pool of trusted musicians who can deputise if some regular members are unavailable.
How much space do string quartets require?
2m x 3m is ideal for the performance area.
Where can the string quartets perform?
FixTheMusic has selected Europe's best string quartets and made it easy for you to book them for your wedding or event. Our string groups are available from London and the south east (Kent, Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex) to the Midlands and further north (including in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds). Tell us about your event and amazing string ensembles will get in touch with you with a bespoke offer for your event.
Can the string quartet play in more than one location on the day?
This is certainly possible but needs to be discussed in advance of the event. Each location will need chairs and allow several minutes for the string quartet to set up after they move.
Do some string quartets play on electric instruments?
A variation on the traditional string quartet is the electric string quartet with players performing on electric instruments. Many string quartets can offer this as an option. Electric string quartets offer a more visually engaging and contemporary feel. They are also suitable if your event has a large number of guests as they can amplify their sound to accommodate the extra background noise.
How long do string quartets take to set up?
String quartets will usually arrive at least 45 mins before they are due to play, to allow enough time to set up.
Can we come and hear the string quartet play somewhere before we book?
This is not possible as most string quartets only play at private functions. You should only book a string quartet with excellent audio and video samples.
Do string quartets take breaks?
Yes, string quartets usually take a 10-15 minute break every 45 minutes to an hour. They may require longer breaks for longer bookings. It is best to leave the exact timing of breaks to the string quartet, as they will be able to judge this appropriately.
Can string quartets be booked for 1 hour or less?
Yes, but the price will usually be the same as a 2-hour booking. For best value, you should book a string quartet for at least 2 hours.
What do string quartet players wear?
String quartet players usually wear formal attire, but they can often accommodate your own dress requirements if notified well in advance of the event.
Can string quartets perform instrumental pop covers from Netflix's Bridgerton television series?
String quartets are certainly able to perform pop covers made famous by Vitamin String Quartet and featured in the Bridgerton TV series. Popular covers from Bridgerton include songs by Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift. With the increasing popularity of this TV series, many clients are requesting string quartet covers of these songs for weddings in the UK.
How can I hire a string quartet for my event?
Make an enquiry on FixTheMusic (we're a free platform for hiring oustranding professional musicians) and available string quartets will send you their offers within a matter of hours.
Do string quartets have public liability insurance?
Yes – all FixTheMusic string quartets have public liability insurance, usually of up to 10 million GBP/EUR.

FixTheMusic is a one-stop shop for booking outstanding professional musicians – and it's completely free for you to use.

Fill in the enquiry form to receive offers directly from hand-picked musicians. Once you've confirmed details with your preferred act, book and pay securely through our secure online checkout.

— Adam is a co-founder of FixTheMusic and works on everything from copywriting and marketing to design and user experience. He studied Music at Cambridge University. Adam is a keen pianist, and also learned cello and trumpet from an early age.