Classical Guitarists for Hire

Hire a Classical Guitarist in the UK

Classical guitarists are one of the most popular choices for live background music at weddings and formal events. The nylon-string guitar produces a warm, intimate tone that fills a room without overpowering conversation, making it well suited to ceremonies, drinks receptions, dinners and corporate entertaining. The players on this page range from specialists in traditional classical repertoire to those who also perform Spanish, flamenco and Latin styles, and many offer instrumental arrangements of modern pop songs alongside the classical canon. For a broader search that includes acoustic pop, jazz and electric styles, see our main guitarists for hire page.

Classical guitar for weddings

Wedding ceremonies are the single most common booking for classical guitarists. A solo player can provide music as guests arrive, accompany the processional and recessional, and play during the signing of the register. Standard ceremony repertoire typically includes pieces like Pachelbel's Canon in D, Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring and the traditional Wedding March, but most classical guitarists will also learn specific requests if given enough notice. Beyond the ceremony, classical guitar works well during a drinks reception or wedding breakfast, where the music can shift to lighter pieces, film themes or pop arrangements. A single classical guitarist can cover several hours across the day, making them a cost-effective alternative to a string quartet or harpist for couples who want live music without the higher cost of a larger ensemble.

Spanish and flamenco styles

Many of the classical guitarists on this page also perform Spanish and flamenco repertoire, which brings a different energy to an event. Flamenco guitar is more rhythmic and percussive than traditional classical playing, and works particularly well at drinks receptions, garden parties and Mediterranean-themed events where you want the music to be more of a feature. If your event has a Spanish or Latin theme, pairing a flamenco guitarist with a flamenco or Spanish band for later in the evening can create a cohesive feel across the day.

What classical guitarists typically play

The core repertoire for most classical guitarists centres on works by Bach, Tarrega, Albeniz, Sor and Villa-Lobos, alongside well-known pieces from the Baroque, Romantic and Spanish traditions. Many players also offer instrumental guitar arrangements of popular songs by artists like The Beatles, Elton John, Ed Sheeran and Fleetwood Mac, which can be a good option if you want the elegance of a classical sound with more familiar melodies. Film and TV themes are another common request. If you have a particular piece in mind for a key moment, raise it with your guitarist as early as possible, as arranging a new piece for solo guitar takes time to prepare and rehearse.

Practical considerations

Classical guitarists can often perform unamplified for smaller, quieter settings such as an intimate wedding ceremony or a private dining room. For larger spaces, most will bring a small amplifier or DI box to run through a PA. If your event is outdoors, discuss this with your guitarist in advance: wind, direct sunlight and temperature changes can all affect a nylon-string instrument, so a sheltered performance area and a backup plan for weather are important. Most classical guitarists are fully self-contained and need only a chair, a small amount of floor space and access to a power socket if amplifying.

Pricing for classical guitarists

Classical guitarist prices currently range from £150 to £603, with an average of £279. Rates depend on the length of the performance, the day of the week, travel distance and whether the guitarist needs to learn bespoke material for your event. Weekend weddings during the summer months are at the higher end, while shorter sets for corporate events or midweek bookings tend to be more affordable. Use the price comparison section on this page to see how rates vary across the listings, and contact individual acts for an accurate quote.