Wedding Blog

If you’re looking for professionals, you can contact the union directly: http://www.afm.org

The prices will vary based on their level of professionalism, the time commitment (including travel time), whether a rehearsal may be required (if you request specific tunes, for example), etc.

I’m paying out the wazoo for my ceremony musicians but they’re all from a nearby (tier 2) symphony, and it’s all brand new music that will require at least two rehearsals. On the opposite end, I’ve sung weddings for $50, and I know a professional violinist who does ‘em for $125, just because she enjoys it. The last string quartet wedding I played was years ago, but we each got $150.

Friends of mine wanted a solo cello for their ceremony, so they called the local and got a list. They called each person, explained what they wanted, asked for a price, and had them play a sample over the phone. It was a time investment, but they got what they wanted.

I’m on the westcoast and our classical guitarist is $350 for the ceremony or $450 for ceremony + cocktail hour.

I booked a string trio for my ceremony and Cocktail hour and it is running me $850…I couldn’t afford a quartet! =(

While I’d love to recommend them, I just realized you’re in Dallas…that may not work too well as I’m in NY….sorry…but hey they say NYC prices are more expensive so at least you’ve got an idea!

Man, I’m totally dominating the comments here, but two more things: First, Flora has absolutely the right idea–any of the big schools in town will be able to hook you up.

Second, if the ideal wedding in your head sounds like violins, not guitars, don’t feel you have to hire four people to get that sound. Trios, even duos can cover what you want. I’m imagining a violin/cello version of the Bach, and it’s lovely.