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Hire String Quartets
String quartets and classical musicians for ceremonies, drinks receptions and galas - hear them, agree the music and sign one contract.
Updated 21 October 2026
Where to Book String Quartets
A string quartet is two violins, a viola and a cello, playing acoustic classical and pop arrangements for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and galas. On GigXchange today most classical members are solo players and duos - violinists, cellists, pianists and singers - who can also put an ensemble together. For an evening dancefloor see wedding bands.
Booking Playbook
Wedding ceremonies · Drinks receptions · Corporate galas · Awards nights. Here’s the practical version, not the marketing one. Each card covers one decision: when to book, what format works and the mistakes that cost bookers money.
| When to BookSummer wedding Saturdays go first - 6 to 12 months ahead. See how far ahead to book. |
| What Format WorksTypical shape: ceremony music (walk-in, signing, exit), then 60 to 90 minutes for the drinks reception. Agree the music list, the cues, the seating and cover from the weather outdoors. |
| Mistakes to Avoid1. No cue plan. Brief the players on the ceremony timings. 2. Outdoors without cover. Instruments cannot play in the rain. 3. Too big a room. Acoustic strings may need a light PA. 4. No music list. Send the pieces early. 5. No contract. Every GigXchange booking has one. |
Pick Your Ensemble
What each size of classical ensemble is, and what it suits. Fees for each line-up are in the live table below, so you can match the size of the act to your budget and your room.
| Solo violin, cello or pianoOne classical player - a violinist, cellist or pianist - playing classical pieces and pop arrangements. Suits: Small ceremonies, signings and drinks. |
| DuoViolin and cello, or violin and piano - the smallest line-up that plays both melody and harmony. Suits: Ceremonies and receptions. |
| TrioTwo violins and cello, or a piano trio of violin, cello and piano. Suits: A fuller sound for a ceremony or reception. |
| String quartetTwo violins, viola and cello - the full string sound most weddings picture. Suits: Ceremonies, galas and big rooms. |
Not sure which to pick?
Tell the act the room, the guest numbers and what the music is for - drinks, dinner or dancing - and they will suggest a line-up. Post your date free on GIGXCHANGE and classical musicians of every size can apply.
String Quartets by Occasion
A set plan for each kind of booking, and what to agree with the act before the day. Use it as the checklist for your first call with the act.
| Wedding ceremonyWalk-in, signing and exit music. Agree: The pieces and the cues. |
| Drinks reception60 to 90 minutes of classical and pop arrangements. Agree: Where the players sit. |
| Corporate galas and awardsBackground through the drinks, a walk-on for awards. Agree: Timings - see awards night bands. |
| Hotels and heritage venuesA regular drinks or dinner slot. Agree: A run of dates - see live music for hotels. |
Put it in writing
Whatever the occasion, agree the times, the sets and the fee in the chat - every booking on GIGXCHANGE comes with a contract you both sign.
What Do UK Gigs Actually Pay?
Real UK fee ranges from 4,647 recorded fees in the GX Index
| Pub / barFull band · Solo £162–£330 · Duo £250–£500 | £275–£1,003 |
| WeddingFull band · Solo £271–£500 · Duo £463–£810 | £812–£2,206 |
| CorporateFull band · Solo £281–£474 · Duo £446–£1,275 | £669–£1,708 |
| Private partyFull band · Solo £250–£542 · Duo £250–£500 | £583–£1,353 |
| Festival (30–45 min)Full band · Solo TBC · Duo TBC | £200–£1,783 |
Repertoire & Format
What this performer type actually delivers — by category, with real examples. Use it to check the act covers the moments that matter to you before you ask for a quote.
Wedding ceremony classics
| Canon in D — Pachelbel (processional) |
| Wedding March — Mendelssohn (recessional) |
| Bridal Chorus — Wagner (alternative processional) |
| Air on the G String — Bach |
| Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring — Bach |
Modern wedding crossover (string arrangement)
| A Thousand Years — Christina Perri |
| All of Me — John Legend |
| Marry You — Bruno Mars |
| Yellow — Coldplay |
| Make You Feel My Love — Adele |
| Perfect — Ed Sheeran |
| Better Together — Jack Johnson |
Drinks reception classical
| Eine kleine Nachtmusik — Mozart |
| The Four Seasons (Spring) — Vivaldi |
| Clair de Lune — Debussy |
| Brandenburg Concertos — Bach (selections) |
| Pachelbel Canon arrangements |
Corporate gala / awards walk-on
| Hooked on a Feeling |
| We Are the Champions — Queen (string arrangement) |
| Eye of the Tiger |
| Winner-walk-on themes |
Themed Gatsby / Rat Pack
| Puttin' on the Ritz — Fred Astaire |
| Cheek to Cheek — Fred Astaire / Ella Fitzgerald |
| Anything Goes — Cole Porter |
| Let's Misbehave — Cole Porter |
Halloween / film score themed
| Toccata and Fugue — Bach |
| Halloween theme — John Carpenter |
| Psycho theme — Bernard Herrmann |
| The Exorcist (Tubular Bells) — Mike Oldfield |
| Funeral March — Chopin |
Requests, first dances and setlists
Most acts will learn a request or two if you ask early - a first dance, a family favourite or a walk-on song. Ask in the chat on GIGXCHANGE before you book, so the act confirms it in writing, and listen to the tracks and setlists many acts publish on their profile first.
Where String Quartets Get Booked
UK venues, events, and occasions where this format consistently works, and what each kind of room tends to put on. Use it to see where your kind of booking fits.
Wedding ceremony venues
| Country house hotels (Cliveden, Hedsor, Babington House) — heritage-room ceremonies |
| Listed-building registry offices and town halls |
| Cathedrals and historic churches (when recorded music isn't permitted) |
| Garden ceremonies — string quartet (acoustic) the most reliable outdoor format |
Corporate galas
| Premium hotel ballrooms (Grosvenor House, The Savoy, Claridge's) |
| City of London livery halls |
| Members' clubs (Soho House, The Ned, Annabel's) |
| Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall — premium awards |
| Old Royal Naval College, Hampton Court Palace — heritage galas |
Charity / cultural events
| Saatchi Gallery, Tate Modern, Royal Academy — gallery openings |
| Museum private events (V&A, British Museum) |
| Cathedral charity concerts |
Themed events
| Gatsby-themed corporate (1920s string-quartet specialty) |
| Halloween film-score themed evenings (specialty) |
| Christmas carol concerts (festive string-quartet repertoire) |
Wedding venues by region
| Cotswolds barn ceremonies — popular outdoor string-quartet format |
| Scottish castle weddings — ceilidh + string-quartet combo |
| Cambridge / Oxford college venues — heritage academic ceremonies |
Booking for one of these rooms?
Every room is different. Tell the act the venue, the room size, the power and the load-in time, and agree the finish - then put it all in the contract you both sign on GIGXCHANGE.
How to Book on GIGXCHANGE
Three steps, about five minutes from signup to your first booking: post the date and budget, compare the acts who reply or invite one you like, then confirm with a contract and a held deposit.
| 01 | FindFind acts or post your gigBrowse acts by sound, line-up and area, or post your date free - date, venue, genre, budget and set length - and acts apply. The listing is live immediately, visible to every artist in the GigXchange network. |
| 02 | ShortlistReview applicationsArtists apply with profile, tracks, reviews and availability all visible. Start a direct chat with shortlisted acts to confirm details before committing. |
| 03 | BookingBook and pay securelyOnce the fee's signed off, a digital contract is auto-generated for both parties. Funds are held securely via Stripe until the gig is complete. |
Booking for a private party rather than a venue? Start with GigXchange for organisers. Planning a wedding? See live music for a wedding.
11 — Questions9 answersFrequently asked questions
Browse ActsUK-wide
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Costs & RatesLive
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The Booking PlaybookFree
When to book, what works, what to avoid. The practical version — timing, formats and mistakes to avoid.
When to book (and when prices spike)
What lineup and format works
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Mistakes that cost real money
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Ready to Book a string quartet?
Post a gig for free, no card on file. Membership is free, and we are keeping it free permanently for the first 250 sign-ups.
Hire String Quartets
String quartets and classical musicians for ceremonies, drinks receptions and galas - hear them, agree the music and sign one contract.
Last updated: 21 October 2026
Where to Book String Quartets
GIGXCHANGE is where you book string quartets direct in the UK. 25 classical musicians are on the platform - 2 of them trios and bands, the rest solo and duo acts, booked for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions, corporate galas and awards nights. Listen to each act on their profile, message them before you commit, and every booking comes with a contract you both sign. GigXchange takes 0% of the artist's booking fee, and the booking fee is 5% on top only when you pay through GigXchange – 0% when you settle privately.
A string quartet is two violins, a viola and a cello, playing acoustic classical and pop arrangements for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and galas. On GigXchange today most classical members are solo players and duos - violinists, cellists, pianists and singers - who can also put an ensemble together. For an evening dancefloor see wedding bands.
Meet the Acts
Real member profiles you can listen to, message and book direct - 2 trios and bands, the rest solo and duo acts. Each card shows the act's line-up, where they are based and how to start a conversation.
Browse Classical Musicians
All 25 classical musicians on GigXchange. Filter by line-up and region, then open a profile to listen and message. Every profile has a message button, and most carry music to play and a fee range.
Pick Your Ensemble
What each size of classical ensemble is, and what it suits. Fees for each line-up are in the live table below, so you can match the size of the act to your budget and your room.
- Solo violin, cello or pianoOne classical player - a violinist, cellist or pianist - playing classical pieces and pop arrangements.Suits: Small ceremonies, signings and drinks.
- DuoViolin and cello, or violin and piano - the smallest line-up that plays both melody and harmony.Suits: Ceremonies and receptions.
- TrioTwo violins and cello, or a piano trio of violin, cello and piano.Suits: A fuller sound for a ceremony or reception.
- String quartetTwo violins, viola and cello - the full string sound most weddings picture.Suits: Ceremonies, galas and big rooms.
Not sure which to pick?
Tell the act the room, the guest numbers and what the music is for - drinks, dinner or dancing - and they will suggest a line-up. Post your date free on GIGXCHANGE and classical musicians of every size can apply.
String Quartets by Occasion
A set plan for each kind of booking, and what to agree with the act before the day. Use it as the checklist for your first call with the act.
- Wedding ceremonyWalk-in, signing and exit music.Agree: The pieces and the cues.
- Drinks reception60 to 90 minutes of classical and pop arrangements.Agree: Where the players sit.
- Corporate galas and awardsBackground through the drinks, a walk-on for awards.Agree: Timings - see awards night bands.
- Hotels and heritage venuesA regular drinks or dinner slot.Agree: A run of dates - see live music for hotels.
Put it in writing
Whatever the occasion, agree the times, the sets and the fee in the chat - every booking on GIGXCHANGE comes with a contract you both sign.
Booking Playbook
Wedding ceremonies · Drinks receptions · Corporate galas · Awards nights. Here’s the practical version, not the marketing one. Each card covers one decision: when to book, what format works and the mistakes that cost bookers money.
When to Book
Summer wedding Saturdays go first - 6 to 12 months ahead. See how far ahead to book.
What Format Works
Typical shape: ceremony music (walk-in, signing, exit), then 60 to 90 minutes for the drinks reception. Agree the music list, the cues, the seating and cover from the weather outdoors.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. No cue plan. Brief the players on the ceremony timings. 2. Outdoors without cover. Instruments cannot play in the rain. 3. Too big a room. Acoustic strings may need a light PA. 4. No music list. Send the pieces early. 5. No contract. Every GigXchange booking has one.
What Do UK Gigs Actually Pay?
Real UK fee ranges from 4,647 recorded fees in the GX Index
| Solo | Duo | Full Band | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pub / bar | £162–£330 | £250–£500 | £275–£1,003 |
| Wedding | £271–£500 | £463–£810 | £812–£2,206 |
| Corporate | £281–£474 | £446–£1,275 | £669–£1,708 |
| Private party | £250–£542 | £250–£500 | £583–£1,353 |
| Festival (30–45 min) | TBC | TBC | £200–£1,783 |
Repertoire & Format
What this performer type actually delivers — by category, with real examples. Use it to check the act covers the moments that matter to you before you ask for a quote.
Wedding ceremony classics
- Canon in DPachelbel (processional)
- Wedding MarchMendelssohn (recessional)
- Bridal ChorusWagner (alternative processional)
- Air on the G StringBach
- Jesu, Joy of Man's DesiringBach
Modern wedding crossover (string arrangement)
- A Thousand YearsChristina Perri
- All of MeJohn Legend
- Marry YouBruno Mars
- YellowColdplay
- Make You Feel My LoveAdele
- PerfectEd Sheeran
- Better TogetherJack Johnson
Drinks reception classical
- Eine kleine NachtmusikMozart
- The Four Seasons (Spring)Vivaldi
- Clair de LuneDebussy
- Brandenburg ConcertosBach (selections)
- Pachelbel Canon arrangements
Corporate gala / awards walk-on
- Hooked on a Feeling
- We Are the ChampionsQueen (string arrangement)
- Eye of the Tiger
- Winner-walk-on themes
Themed Gatsby / Rat Pack
- Puttin' on the RitzFred Astaire
- Cheek to CheekFred Astaire / Ella Fitzgerald
- Anything GoesCole Porter
- Let's MisbehaveCole Porter
Halloween / film score themed
- Toccata and FugueBach
- Halloween themeJohn Carpenter
- Psycho themeBernard Herrmann
- The Exorcist (Tubular Bells)Mike Oldfield
- Funeral MarchChopin
Requests, first dances and setlists
Most acts will learn a request or two if you ask early - a first dance, a family favourite or a walk-on song. Ask in the chat on GIGXCHANGE before you book, so the act confirms it in writing, and listen to the tracks and setlists many acts publish on their profile first.
Where String Quartets Get Booked
UK venues, events, and occasions where this format consistently works, and what each kind of room tends to put on. Use it to see where your kind of booking fits.
Wedding ceremony venues
- Country house hotels (Cliveden, Hedsor, Babington House)heritage-room ceremonies
- Listed-building registry offices and town halls
- Cathedrals and historic churches (when recorded music isn't permitted)
- Garden ceremoniesstring quartet (acoustic) the most reliable outdoor format
Corporate galas
- Premium hotel ballrooms (Grosvenor House, The Savoy, Claridge's)
- City of London livery halls
- Members' clubs (Soho House, The Ned, Annabel's)
- Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hallpremium awards
- Old Royal Naval College, Hampton Court Palaceheritage galas
Charity / cultural events
- Saatchi Gallery, Tate Modern, Royal Academygallery openings
- Museum private events (V&A, British Museum)
- Cathedral charity concerts
Themed events
- Gatsby-themed corporate (1920s string-quartet specialty)
- Halloween film-score themed evenings (specialty)
- Christmas carol concerts (festive string-quartet repertoire)
Wedding venues by region
- Cotswolds barn ceremoniespopular outdoor string-quartet format
- Scottish castle weddingsceilidh + string-quartet combo
- Cambridge / Oxford college venuesheritage academic ceremonies
Booking for one of these rooms?
Every room is different. Tell the act the venue, the room size, the power and the load-in time, and agree the finish - then put it all in the contract you both sign on GIGXCHANGE.
How to Book on GIGXCHANGE
Three steps, about five minutes from signup to your first booking: post the date and budget, compare the acts who reply or invite one you like, then confirm with a contract and a held deposit.
Find acts or post your gig
Browse acts by sound, line-up and area, or post your date free - date, venue, genre, budget and set length - and acts apply. The listing is live immediately, visible to every artist in the GigXchange network.
Review applications
Artists apply with profile, tracks, reviews and availability all visible. Start a direct chat with shortlisted acts to confirm details before committing.
Book and pay securely
Once the fee's signed off, a digital contract is auto-generated for both parties. Funds are held securely via Stripe until the gig is complete.
Booking for a private party rather than a venue? Start with GigXchange for organisers. Planning a wedding? See live music for a wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Book a string quartet?
Post a gig for free, no card on file. Membership is free, and we are keeping it free permanently for the first 250 sign-ups. Acts reply in the app, and you choose who to book.