The Essential Guide to Hiring a Wedding String Quartet (2026)
Live string music can bring a deeply personal, emotional atmosphere to your wedding; one that a playlist just can’t match.
Based entirely on genuine conversations between UK couples and string quartets hired on FixTheMusic, this guide shares real insights, quotes and tips to help you book the perfect ensemble for your big day.
TL;DR
- Typical UK price range: £600–£2,200 depending on group size and booking length
- When to book: 9–12 months in advance, especially for summer weekends
- Line-up options: Duo (budget), Trio (balanced), Quartet (fullest sound)
- Popular repertoire: Classical, Bridgerton-style pop, movie & game music, cultural songs
- Outdoor-friendly: Yes, if dry and shaded with temps above 16°C
- Custom song requests: Welcome, often for a small fee
- Trusted UK quartets on FixTheMusic: Angel Strings, Aphrodite Strings, Cymru String Quartet, The Manchester String Quartet
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Paragon String Quartet ➡️
Why Hire a String Quartet?
A great quartet adds more than just music. It sets the mood and connects with guests across generations. Whether it's a classical entrance or a surprise Bridgerton-style cover of your favourite pop track, string quartets are both versatile and impactful. One bride from London described it perfectly: "I got emotional when I saw you can play ‘Fadl Shaker’ – this is one of my favourite songs." Another couple planned a drinks reception set that blended Bridgerton covers with Ibiza anthems: a classy twist that delighted their guests.
Quartets typically cover all parts of the day:
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Ceremony: live music as guests arrive, for the processional, signing and exit
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Drinks reception: upbeat background set
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Wedding breakfast: light pop, jazz, or classical
They require minimal setup (just 4 armless chairs), no amplification for most venues, and suit everything from stately homes to intimate gardens.
When to Book a String Quartet for Your Wedding
Top string quartets in the UK (like Angel Strings or Aphrodite Strings) are often booked 9–12 months ahead, especially for summer Saturdays. Many couples on FixTheMusic confirm their quartet right after securing the venue. Using the platform lets you contact multiple groups with one enquiry and compare quotes quickly.
Wedding String Quartet Prices in the UK
Pricing depends on group size, location, and duration. As a guide:
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A string duo for a ceremony only typically costs £600–£900.
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A string trio covering ceremony and drinks reception ranges from £1,100–£1,500.
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A string quartet for the full day can cost £1,800–£2,200.
For example, Angel Strings quoted £1,500 for a 1.5-hour London reception; their trio option was £1,250 and duo £980. Some quotes may include travel; others may add a small travel fee depending on the location.
View more videos and read verified reviews of Sweden String Quartet ➡️
Duo vs Trio vs Quartet – Which to Choose?
- Quartet (4 players): Full harmony and the richest sound
- Trio (3 players): Balanced and cost-effective
- Duo (2 players): Intimate, ideal for smaller venues or budgets
Many groups confirm a trio is a popular middle ground. “The trio is perfect for any event - a great alternative to a quartet if space or budget is limited,” noted The Manchester String Quartet.
Wedding String Quartet Song List & Requests
Modern string quartets cover:
- Classical standards (Pachelbel, Vivaldi)
- Pop hits and Bridgerton-style covers
- Movie themes and game music (e.g. Zelda, Harry Potter)
- Cultural pieces (Bollywood, Arabic, Jewish)
Most ensembles are happy to learn custom songs: usually for a small fee (~£20–£40). One bride asked Angel Strings to play a meaningful Arabic song during the ceremony, which they arranged without hesitation. Another couple requested club classics, which were adapted for a drinks reception set with a modern twist.
Song planning is collaborative. One quartet advised:
- Guest arrival (30 mins): 7–10 songs
- Ceremony: 3–5 songs
- Drinks reception: ~20 songs/hour
You don’t need to choose every track. Share your key songs or preferred genres, and let the quartet craft the rest.
Logistics: Setup, Weather & More
- Chairs: 4 armless, provided by venue
- Outdoor play: Fine with cover, shade, and temps >16°C
- Breaks: For longer bookings, typically one 15-min break every 60–75 mins
- Attire: Most quartets wear formal black; some can coordinate colours on request
One bride requested neutral-toned outfits to match a garden theme. Angel Strings responded: "We’ll do our best to coordinate dresses or use black as backup."
View more videos and read verified reviews of Symphonic Strings ➡️
FAQs – Real Questions from Couples
How much space does a string quartet need?
A standard string quartet (4 players) typically requires an area of about 2m x 3m — enough space for four (armless) chairs arranged in a semi-circle and room for music stands. A string trio needs slightly less room, around 2m x 2.5m, while a duo can comfortably perform in a space as small as 1.5m x 2m. All configurations need flat ground, no obstructions and good lighting.
Can we choose the songs?
Yes. You can choose the full setlist or simply highlight your must-have pieces and preferred genres. Most couples select a few key songs for the ceremony and let the musicians curate the rest based on the mood of the day.
Can they learn a new piece?
Usually yes. Most quartets are happy to arrange a special song if you provide a few weeks' notice. There may be a small fee to cover the arranging time, especially for complex pop songs or cultural music.
Can the string quartet perform outside?
Yes, as long as the weather conditions are suitable. They can play outdoors if the ground is dry, the instruments are shaded from direct sun and there is no risk of rain or strong wind. A covered area or gazebo is ideal for protecting their instruments.
Do string quartets need power?
No. Traditional acoustic quartets do not require any power or amplification. Power is only needed if the group uses electric instruments or a PA system, which is uncommon for wedding ceremonies and drinks receptions.
How long can they play?
Most quartets can perform for up to 3 hours with short breaks every hour. Longer coverage is possible for full-day weddings and the musicians will plan suitable break times around your schedule.
Do they need food or drinks?
Providing water and soft drinks is always appreciated. For bookings longer than 2 to 3 hours, especially if the musicians are staying through the wedding breakfast, it is courteous to offer a meal or confirm with the venue that refreshments will be available.
Pre-Wedding Week Checklist for Your String Quartet
To keep everything running smoothly, here’s a simple checklist for the week leading up to your big day:
✅ Confirm timings & arrival - double-check when the musicians will arrive, set up, and start playing.
✅ Share a detailed schedule - ceremony start time, drinks reception and any special cues.
✅ Send contact details - provide a reliable on-the-day contact (best man, planner, venue coordinator).
✅ Review setlist - confirm all chosen songs and note when they should be played.
✅ Check venue logistics - parking, loading access, stairs/lifts and space for four chairs and stands.
✅ Discuss contingencies - outdoor cover, wet-weather plan, shade from strong sun.
✅ Provide refreshments - agree on whether the quartet will be offered water, soft drinks or a meal if they’re staying for several hours.
This simple checklist helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures your musicians can focus entirely on creating the perfect music for your wedding day.
Final Tips from Real Weddings
- Confirm setup details early: Let the quartet know where to arrive, park and set up, especially if the venue has limited access.
- Use their expertise: They’ll guide music timing, adapt to ceremony delays and coordinate with planners or registrars.
- Don't overlook duos/trios: These are cost-effective and still deliver a strong musical impact.
- Trust the process: These musicians have done hundreds of weddings. One bride planning from abroad said, "You’ve been so helpful, I feel much more relaxed now knowing you're taking care of the music."
Highly rated string quartets on FixTheMusic:
With real performers, real conversations and a tailored approach, a string quartet doesn’t just fill the silence. Their music can underscore the most important moments from your big day.
Written using real enquiry threads between UK couples and string quartets on FixTheMusic.
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