Wedding Bands With Saxophone
A wedding band with saxophone brings a live horn element to the classic function-band lineup. Think soul, funk, pop and Motown with a saxophonist soloing over the top, weaving through vocal hooks, and stepping out front for featured moments.
It's a sound that sits somewhere between a traditional covers band and a brass-driven party act, and it's increasingly what couples are searching for.
79+ UK-based bands on FixTheMusic include a saxophone player as part of their full-band lineup.
Across 1,519 confirmed UK bookings for these acts, couples have paid a median of £3,774, with most paying from £2,865. 1,492 enquiries mentioning "sax" in the requirements have been submitted for bands on the platform.
View Our Wedding Bands With Saxophone
How it works
What a Saxophone Adds to a Wedding Band
The saxophone occupies a unique role in a wedding band. Unlike a guitar or keyboard, which sit in the rhythm section and are heard throughout the night, the sax steps forward, soloing during instrumental breaks, doubling vocal melodies and adding colour to brass stabs and funk riffs.
In a soul or Motown set, it's the instrument guests notice during "Try a Little Tenderness" or "Proud Mary." In a pop set, it's the hook from "Careless Whisper" or "Baker Street."
Popular lineups include:
- 5-piece band with sax: vocals, keys, bass, drums and sax. The most common configuration, versatile across soul, pop and funk.
- 6-piece with sax and trumpet: adds a second horn for a fuller brass section, popular with luxury showbands.
- 4-piece with sax: vocals/guitar, keys, drums and sax. A tighter, more compact option for smaller venues.
- Roaming band with sax: acoustic setup where the sax player moves among guests during drinks reception, then plugs in for the evening set.
A band with sax can read the room, change tempo, extend songs, and interact with the dancefloor in a way a DJ simply can't. The sax is one instrument in a living ensemble, not a soloist over backing tracks.
Couples frequently ask for a band "including sax and vocals" or specifically request "a sax or a bit of wind in the band." Some want the sax featured during ceremony or drinks reception as well as the evening party. Many of these bands offer a roaming acoustic set earlier in the day before the full lineup kicks in for the evening.
How Much Does a Wedding Band With Saxophone Cost?
The median price couples paid for a wedding band with saxophone on FixTheMusic is £3,774, based on 1,385 confirmed UK bookings with price data (of 1,519 total confirmed bookings). Most couples pay between £2,865 and £5,590.
Prices vary with band size, reputation, season and travel distance. A 4-piece with sax starts around £1,500, while a premium 7-piece showband with a full horn section can reach £10,000–£11,000 for large-scale productions.
Here is a sample of what couples actually paid, drawn from confirmed FixTheMusic bookings:
| Band | Price | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| The Moon Walkers | £1,500 | Silverholme Manor, Ulverston |
| The Beat Chiefs | £1,800 | Hazel Gap Barn, Budby |
| The Jive Misters | £2,158 | Lost & Found, Leeds |
| The Incognitos | £2,700 | Welwyn, Hertfordshire |
| Full House | £2,710 | Swinton Estate, Ripon |
| The Scottish Soul Collective | £3,455 | Seamill Hydro Hotel, West Kilbride |
| The Manhattans | £3,585 | Eastwell Manor, Ashford, Kent |
| ROAMEO | £3,900 | Voewood, Holt, Norfolk |
| The Manhattans | £4,285 | Pangdean Old Barn, Brighton |
| Soul Flight | £5,189 | Gaynes Park, Epping |
| MOJO | £5,400 | Coolham, Horsham |
| Supersoul | £6,000 | The Ferry House, Kent |
| ROAMEO | £5,985 | Stone Barn, Cheltenham |
Premium showbands like Mashup Kings and Forever Diamonds Showband command £10,000–£11,000 for larger lineups at prestige venues. These are the exception though; most couples booking a band with saxophone through FixTheMusic pay between £2,800 and £5,600.
Reviews from local events in the UK
“We had ROAMEO play at our wedding and they were fantastic!! We had such a great evening and so many of our guests have since mentioned how much they enjoyed the band. We were quite particular about the music we wanted, keen to avoid anything too cheesy but still have a proper party with everyone dancing. David and the team were really receptive to our ideas and flexible throughout, and they absolutely delivered on the night. The musicians were excellent, there was a great atmosphere and we loved how they got the crowd involved, including some of our friends joining in! Special mention to the trombone player, who was a big hit. David was also really easy to deal with in the run-up to the wedding, and everything was very professional and well organised. A big thank you. We'd definitely recommend Roameo!”
“Wow! The Jive Misters were absolutely incredible! They had all our guests up on their feet dancing from start to finish. The energy was second to none with a perfect set list that made our night do so brilliant. We will never forget dancing away on our wedding night thanks to you guys - including the brilliant last song! We will never be able to thank you enough - perfection!”
“Sam and the Manhattans were absolutely great, from the time we first inquired with the band through the last song of the night. Sam was very responsive and worked with us to create the perfect music backdrop for our wedding day. He learned our wedding song prior to us even booking! Which sealed the deal for us. The band performed our ceremony (piano/vocals), drinks reception (guitar/sax), and dance reception (full 5 part band) - and they crushed every single part. Sam and the band are super easy to work with, not to mention widely talented with a vast array of song catalogue. Easy pricing model as well, not all of this by hour/piece/timing/ etc. - 1 simple fee, very easy. Would 100% recommend hiring The Manhattans - I would definitely hire them again in a heartbeat. Thanks Sam and the band for making our day special!”
“Iddy & his band made our wedding reception! We were able to tell him our music tastes, choose some tracks from their playlist and even organise a bespoke surprise first dance. His saxophonist, vocalist and percussionist were amazing. They all embraced our guests and played two amazing sets, and DJ’ed after until we could dance no more! I am now trying to figure out which social event we can book them for next! Thanks, Al & G.”
“From the very first dance to the very last song, the dance floor was packed. They created an incredible atmosphere and brought so much energy to the evening. The quality of the musicians and singers was outstanding, and they seemed to know exactly what to play to keep everyone on the dance floor. We had guests of all ages at the wedding, and they managed to appeal to everyone. So many of our guests commented afterwards on just how good the band were and what a brilliant party atmosphere they created. They were a huge part of making Abby and Joe’s wedding such a special and memorable day. If you are looking for a band that will get your guests dancing and keep the party going all night, we couldn’t recommend them highly enough. Absolutely superb — thank you for helping make a wonderful wedding even more special!”
Booked Forever Diamonds Showband for a wedding at Tithe Barn at Manor Farm, Little Bookham, UK
“Full House played at our wedding and absolutely smashed it! They were amazing and had everyone on the dance floor the entire evening! Would definitely recommend!”
“WOW JUST WOW! What can I say! Thank you so much for such an incredible music experience on our wedding day. You and your band were absolutely amazing and made the day for me! I wish we could have had the band going all night. Such amazing talent. Thank you once again, Sophie and Rory.”
Booked Soul Selection for a wedding in Wisborough Green, Chichester, West Sussex
“Groove Addiction were a highlight of our wedding weekend. Beyond their incredible musical talent, they brought so much life to our party. Everyone was up and dancing, and our friends are still raving about it now! We cannot recommend the highly enough. Thank you SO much!!”
“We cannot recommend Mojo Band highly enough! They travelled to Cambridge to perform two sets at a 30th birthday party and were absolutely brilliant. The music was fantastic, the atmosphere was amazing, and they had everyone up dancing and enjoying themselves. From start to finish, they were a pleasure to deal with, with special thanks to Mark, the Bands Manager, who made everything so easy and straightforward. They really made the party extra special and helped create a night to remember. We wouldn’t hesitate to book them again and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fantastic band. Thank you, Mojo Band, for making our evening so memorable!”
“They played everything my daughter and her now-husband asked for, with exceptional talent. The dance floor was filled from the moment of the first dance to the end of the evening at 01:00am. I can highly recommend them to anybody. Absolutely fabulous.”
“Soul Paradise seriously rocked our event, and had everyone on their feet within seconds! A great band with a dynamic front woman - can't ask for more!”
“10/10. We've had so much great feedback from our guests, and many of them said the roaming band felt "so us". That's the best compliment we could have hoped for. The communication in the run-up to the wedding was excellent. David was really accommodating in tailoring things to our vision. It went perfectly, and we couldn't have asked for more. On the night, the roaming set kept the energy up all evening, and the sound and lighting were flawless throughout. We'd heard plenty of horror stories about e.g. feedback or soundchecks interrupting speeches, but there wasn't a peep. Thank you! S&J.”
See Our Wedding Bands With Saxophone in Action
How Far Do These Bands Travel?
The 79 UK-based wedding bands with saxophone on FixTheMusic are spread across the country, with the largest concentration in London. Bands based in Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Surrey ensure coverage from Scotland to the South West, and most are willing to travel beyond their home region.
Travel costs are typically included in the quote when the venue is within the band's home area. For venues further afield, bands may add a travel and accommodation charge. This is always itemised in the quote so you know the total before booking.
Confirmed bookings for these bands with sax span the full breadth of the UK, from Holkham Hall in Norfolk and Carlowrie Castle outside Edinburgh to Hensol Castle in South Wales and Brympton House in Somerset. London venues like 100 Barrington, Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire and Elmore Court in Gloucestershire are among the most frequently booked.
FAQ: Hiring a Wedding Band With Saxophone
How much does a wedding band with saxophone cost?
The median price couples paid on FixTheMusic is £3,774, based on 1,385 confirmed UK bookings with price data. Most couples pay between £2,865 and £5,590. A 4-piece with sax starts around £1,500, while premium 7-piece showbands with full horn sections can reach £10,000–£11,000. Your quote will depend on band size, date, venue location and travel distance.
What's the difference between a wedding band with saxophone and a DJ with sax?
A DJ with sax is a two- or three-piece electronic act: a DJ playing tracks with a saxophonist improvising over the top, using backing tracks rather than a full live band. A wedding band with saxophone is a full live band (typically 4–7 pieces) that includes a sax player alongside drums, bass, keys, guitar and vocals. The sax is integrated into live arrangements, not layered over recorded tracks.
If you're looking for a DJ-and-sax act specifically, see our DJ & Sax groups for weddings in London.
How far in advance should I book?
Couples typically book a wedding band with saxophone around 9 months before the wedding date (median lead time of 269 days). For a Saturday in peak season (June–September), aim to enquire at least 10–12 months ahead. The most popular bands get booked early, especially for summer dates.
Can the saxophonist play during the ceremony or drinks reception?
Many of these bands offer a roaming acoustic set for the ceremony or drinks reception, where the sax player performs with acoustic guitar or vocals in a stripped-back format before the full lineup kicks in for the evening. Several couples have specifically requested "sax and chilled Ibiza vibes for the drinks reception" followed by the full party band in the evening. Ask the band about multi-set packages when you enquire.
Do these bands include a saxophone player, or do I need to hire one separately?
Every band listed on this page includes a saxophone player as part of their standard lineup — you don't need to hire one separately. The sax is built into the band's arrangements and performances.
What size bands are available with saxophone?
Lineups range from 4-piece (vocals, keys, drums, sax) to 7-piece and larger showbands with multiple horns. The most common configuration is a 5-piece with vocals, keys, bass, drums and sax. Larger bands add trumpet or a second horn for a fuller brass section.
Do wedding bands with saxophone travel outside their local area?
Yes. Most bands travel nationally, though they may charge for travel and accommodation if the venue is a significant distance from their base. Travel costs are always itemised in the quote. The 79 UK-based bands on this page cover the full country, with concentrations in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol and Cardiff.
Are there any all-female wedding bands with saxophone?
Several bands on the platform feature female saxophonists and all-female lineups. Browse the card section above and filter by the band profiles to see which acts feature female musicians. The Roaming Sisters and Dancefloor Divas are examples of acts with female lineups that can incorporate sax.
What genres work best with a saxophone in a wedding band?
Sax works across soul, Motown, funk, pop and R&B — genres where the instrument can solo, double melodies, and add texture to brass stabs. Classic soul numbers like "Try a Little Tenderness" and "Proud Mary" showcase the sax beautifully, as do pop hooks like "Careless Whisper" and "Baker Street." Many bands also use the sax for modern dance and Ibiza-style sets during the drinks reception.
Do these bands provide PA and lighting equipment?
Most wedding bands with saxophone include a PA system and basic lighting in their quote. If your venue has its own sound system, let the band know — this may reduce the cost. For outdoor or marquee weddings, check whether the band needs to bring additional equipment.
What if my venue has a sound limiter?
Sound limiters are common in UK wedding venues, and most experienced bands know how to work within them. A saxophone is an acoustic instrument, which can be an advantage — the band can adjust dynamics without fully muting the horn section. Always mention any sound restrictions when you enquire so the band can plan accordingly.
Can I hear the saxophone in the band's videos?
Yes, the videos in the section above show these bands performing live. Listen for sax solos and horn lines in the clips. If you want to hear more of a specific band's sax work, visit their profile for additional videos and audio samples.
Can I add a saxophone player to a wedding band that doesn't have one?
Yes. Many wedding bands on FixTheMusic offer saxophone as an optional add-on to their standard lineup. HYPE (London), for example, lists saxophone as an add-on to their 5- and 6-piece lineups, while Big Sound Collective (Leeds) offers sax as part of their expandable lineup up to a 12-piece showband.
When you enquire about a band, mention in your requirements that you'd like a saxophone player included. The band will let you know whether they can add one and what the additional cost would be. If they can't, you can also browse the bands on this page. All of them include a saxophonist as standard.
Can the band perform our first dance with saxophone?
Yes. Most wedding bands with saxophone on FixTheMusic will learn your first dance and arrange it with the saxophone as part of the live performance. The Beat Chiefs performed a live rendition of one couple's first dance with the sax playing them into dinner, and Scintillate arranged a bespoke surprise first dance featuring their saxophonist. Mention your song choice when you enquire and the band will confirm whether they can learn it.
If you're specifically looking for a DJ-and-sax act rather than a full band, our guide to DJ and sax hire in the UK covers that format in detail.