The Cost of Hiring a Wedding DJ in 2026
One of the most important elements of any great wedding celebration is the music. And if you're considering hiring a DJ, you're not alone.
Wedding DJs have become one of the most popular entertainment choices for UK couples, and for good reason. They’re versatile, affordable and can keep the dance floor packed well into the night.
But how much does it actually cost to hire a wedding DJ in the UK in 2026?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the average prices, what influences them and share real examples from some of the most popular UK-based DJs on FixTheMusic, the leading platform for booking professional wedding entertainment.
What's changed in 2026?
Compared to previous years, wedding DJ prices in the UK have risen modestly due to increased demand, higher operating costs and more couples prioritising high-end production, lighting and DJ Live setups. That said, DJs remain one of the best-value wedding entertainment options available.
Average Wedding DJ Cost in the UK
In 2026, the average cost of hiring a professional wedding DJ in the UK is £1,100.
On FixTheMusic, most couples pay somewhere between £850 and £1,250 for a high-quality experienced wedding DJ, although rates vary widely depending on several factors.
- Budget DJs: £550 – £800
- Mid-range DJs: £850 – £1,250
- Premium DJs: £1,400 – £2,200+
- DJ Live groups (e.g. DJ + Sax): £1,600 – £5,000+
Real Wedding DJs in the UK (With Prices)
Here are some standout wedding DJs currently available via FixTheMusic, along with typical pricing based on recent quotes:
-
DJ George Jonathan – £1,275 avg
A first-class wedding and event DJ known for high-end London venues and international bookings. -
DJ Lenny – £800 – £1,450
An internationally experienced female DJ with a luxury setup and wide repertoire. -
DJ Glow – £650 – £750
A budget-friendly solo DJ with over 15 years of experience and club-style mixing. -
DJ Dominic – From £1,600
High-energy multi-genre DJ with a festival background and slick professionalism. -
Rhythm Riot (DJ + Sax Duo) – £1,400 – £1,550
A party-starting combo of DJ and live sax for that "Ibiza wedding" vibe. -
Fusion Girls (DJ Live Band) – From £2,700
One of the UK’s most in-demand all-female DJ/sax/percussion groups, ideal for luxe and festival weddings.
You can browse more verified highly-rated wedding DJs directly on FixTheMusic’s DJ page.
Wedding DJ Cost FAQs
We’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions by UK couples when budgeting for a wedding DJ and answered them using real data and insights.
How does the date affect price?
Just like venues and caterers, wedding DJs charge peak rates during high season: May to September, especially for Saturday weddings. Expect to pay full price for prime summer Saturdays, while midweek or winter weddings can sometimes score you a 10–15% discount.
Tip: Consider a Thursday or Sunday wedding in autumn or winter to potentially save on your DJ fee.
Are DJs in London more expensive?
In a word, yes. Wedding DJs in London and other major cities tend to charge more than those in rural or less central regions. Higher living costs, parking and general demand all play a part.
For example:
- DJ Glow – £700
- DJ George Jonathan – £1,275
- DJ Dominic – £1,850
If your venue is outside London, hiring a local DJ can help avoid extra travel charges or premium urban pricing.
What affects a DJ’s quote?
There are several key factors that influence the final fee:
- Location – Travel distance, overnight stays and regional rates
- Date & Time – Peak dates, late finish times and early setup requirements
- Length of Set – Most DJs quote for 4–5 hours; extra hours = higher price
- Reputation & Experience – High-demand well-reviewed DJs charge more
- Extras & Add-ons – Sax player, percussion, lighting upgrades etc.
You can read more in our dedicated blog post on Why There a Huge Price Difference Between Wedding DJs.
How long does a typical wedding DJ play?
Most DJs quote for an evening reception set of around 4 to 5 hours, often from 7 or 8pm until midnight.
If you need music later or earlier, most DJs offer overtime or full-day packages:
- Overtime (past midnight): From £120/hour extra
- Early setup / background sets: £120–£350
- Ceremony or cocktail hour music: Add-on quotes available
Tip: Make sure to agree on timings early so there are no last-minute surprises.
What’s included in a DJ’s price?
Most professional wedding DJs include:
- PA sound system (speakers, mixer, subwoofer)
- Basic lighting (LED lights or moving heads)
- DJ booth
- Microphones (often wireless)
- Setup and pack-down time
- Song requests and pre-wedding consultation
All DJs on FixTheMusic carry PAT-tested equipment and public liability insurance, which are standard requirements at UK wedding venues.
Do wedding DJs charge for travel?
If your DJ is based near your venue, travel is usually included. If they’re travelling further, they may charge mileage (e.g. £0.45/mile) or request accommodation if an overnight stay is needed.
FixTheMusic automatically connects you with local DJs first, helping keep travel costs low.
Why do DJs cost more for weddings than parties or clubs?
Weddings are high-pressure, once-in-a-lifetime events that require much more preparation. Wedding DJs:
- Build a tailored playlist based on your tastes
- Handle equipment setup and logistics with your venue
- Bring backup gear and professional-grade systems
- Often act as informal MCs and timeline coordinators
Do DJs raise prices every year?
Usually, yes. Most DJs increase their rates slightly each year to reflect demand, experience and inflation. On average, prices rise 5%–7% per year.
Tip: Booking early locks in today’s price. Another reason to secure your DJ sooner rather than later.
Should we hire a DJ or a band?
In terms of cost:
- DJs are generally cheaper than live bands
- A good DJ: ~£1,100
- A good band: ~£1,700–£2,800+
If your budget allows, you could even hire both: a band for the early evening and a DJ to close out the party.
Tip: Many bands include a basic DJ service during their breaks; but it’s not the same as hiring a full-time pro DJ.
How far in advance should we book our DJ?
For peak summer weddings, we recommend booking your DJ 9–12 months in advance. Popular DJs (especially in cities or destination hotspots) can book up even earlier.
On FixTheMusic, many couples send enquiries 12+ months in advance to secure their first choice.
How much is a DJ for 5 hours in the UK?
For a 5-hour wedding reception in the UK, you can expect to pay £1,100 on average for a professional DJ in 2026.
Is it worth having a DJ at a small wedding?
Definitely. A professional DJ delivers flawless sound, reads the crowd on the fly and keeps every moment on cue, letting you just enjoy the day.
That said, if music is only meant to be low-key background and budgets are tight, a well-curated playlist through decent speakers can work. But if you want a worry-free dance floor, a DJ is still great value.
Are wedding DJs using TikTok / Instagram trends in 2026?
Yes, many modern wedding DJs now weave viral TikTok and Instagram moments into their sets, particularly for late-night dancefloor peaks. This often includes tracks couples have discovered through social media, such as first-dance edits and crowd-pleasing hits featured among the most popular TikTok wedding songs.
That said, great DJs still focus on reading the room first, using trends to enhance the party rather than dictate it.
How to get the best price on your wedding DJ
Even though average wedding DJ prices in the UK are around £1,100 in 2026, there are several smart ways to keep your costs down, without compromising on quality or professionalism.
1. Book Early
The best DJs are often booked up 9–12 months in advance. Booking early not only secures your preferred DJ, but also locks in today’s rates before annual price increases (usually 5–10%).
2. Be Flexible with Your Date
Peak summer Saturdays command the highest prices. If your timeline allows, consider a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday wedding, or choose a date in autumn or winter to potentially save 10–20%.
3. Hire Local
Choosing a DJ based near your venue helps you avoid travel or accommodation fees, which can add £50–£200+ to your total quote. FixTheMusic automatically matches you with local options first.
4. Combine Services
Some DJs offer full-day packages (covering ceremony, drinks reception and evening) for less than hiring multiple suppliers. Alternatively, some bands offer a DJ add-on, which can be cost-effective if you want both live and DJ elements.
5. Ask About Off-Peak Discounts
If your wedding falls outside of May–September, ask your DJ if they offer a low-season rate. Many are happy to provide a reduced quote for quieter months.
6. Compare Verified Quotes
Use platforms like FixTheMusic to get transparent, no-obligation quotes from several professional DJs. Because pricing and travel are calculated automatically, it’s easy to compare options and see exactly what’s included.
Final Thoughts
A great DJ is a wedding essential and often one of the best-value investments you can make for the big day.
At FixTheMusic, we make it easy to browse wedding DJs from across the UK. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly solo DJ or a show-stopping DJ with all the trimmings, you’ll find hand-picked talent to suit your style and budget.
You can read more in our Definitive Guide to Booking a Wedding DJ.
