Most string quartet bookings start from £695, with the exact price depending on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. The number of sets, how long the musicians are on site and any special arrangements have the biggest effect. We quote each booking individually so you only pay for the music you need.
Key takeaways
- Sets and time on site drive most of the price for four musicians.
- Booking sets back to back is the easiest way to get better value.
- A trio or duo can suit smaller rooms and budgets.
What does a string quartet play?
A string quartet is two violins, a viola and a cello. Most play classical pieces, film music and arrangements of pop songs, from romantic classics to current chart hits.
Quartets are a traditional choice for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions, dinners and formal corporate events, where they create an elegant atmosphere without overpowering conversation.
Some quartets also offer smaller line-ups, such as a trio or duo, drawn from the same musicians. This gives you flexibility for smaller spaces or single moments.
What affects the price of a string quartet?
In our experience, these factors move the quote the most.
- Number of sets: ceremony only, or ceremony, drinks and dinner.
- Time on site: long gaps between sets still keep four musicians committed.
- Special arrangements: pop or film songs not already in the repertoire.
- Amplification for large rooms or outdoor spaces.
- Travel and parking, especially for rural or central London venues.
- Date: summer Saturdays and December corporate events book up quickly.
Tip from our team: Ask about a string trio or duo if your ceremony room is small. You still get live strings, and a smaller group often sounds better in an intimate space.
Want a quote for string quartets?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
What is included in a string quartet booking?
A standard booking includes four musicians, their instruments, music stands, an agreed number of sets and a planning call to choose music. Some include a small PA for larger rooms.
Confirm in writing: set lengths and breaks, what happens if timings overrun, where the quartet will sit and whether they need chairs without arms.
If your ceremony venue and reception venue are different, ask if the quartet can cover both and how travel time between them will be treated.
For corporate events, confirm any dress code in advance. Most quartets wear formal black as standard, but some can match a theme or brand colours.
Is a string quartet right for your event?
A quartet is ideal for ceremonies, drinks and dinners where you want live music that feels elegant and timeless. It suits civil ceremonies, church weddings, gala dinners and awards evenings.
It is not designed for a packed dance floor. For the party, most clients hand over to a DJ or a band. If you want Bollywood songs on strings, a Bollywood string quartet may be a better fit.
How can you get better value from a quartet?
Keep sets close together. Ceremony music followed directly by drinks reception music is more efficient than spreading sets across the day.
Choose most of your music from the quartet's existing repertoire and save special arrangements for one or two key moments.
It also helps to be clear on the moments that matter most. A short, well-placed ceremony set can have more impact than hours of background music.
- Book ceremony and drinks back to back.
- Use a trio or duo for smaller spaces.
- Pair with a DJ for the evening rather than extending the quartet.
How do we quote a string quartet?
We ask about your date, venue, sets and music. Then we check availability with our vetted partners, who hold public liability insurance, and send a free, no-obligation quote.
We cover the whole UK, including London, the Cotswolds, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, plus destination weddings, with one point of contact throughout.
Want a quote for string quartets?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a string quartet cost for a wedding ceremony?
String quartet bookings start from £695. The exact price depends on availability, your requirements, time on site and location. We quote every wedding individually based on the sets you need.
How long does a string quartet play at a wedding?
It depends on the sets booked. A ceremony set covers arrivals, the entrance, signing and exit. Drinks and dinner sets are longer, with agreed breaks.
Can a string quartet play pop songs?
Yes. Most quartets have pop and film arrangements alongside classical pieces. New songs can often be arranged with enough notice.
Is a string trio cheaper than a quartet?
Usually, as there are fewer musicians. A trio still gives a lovely sound and suits smaller rooms. We can quote both so you can compare.
Want live strings at your event?
Share your date, venue and music ideas and we will send a free quartet quote.
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Written by the Party Central events team. Prices mentioned are starting points only. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. Party Central is a trading name of Booking Central Ltd.
