Violinists & Fiddle Players for Hire

Hire a Violinist in the UK

A solo violinist creates an atmosphere that few other instruments can match. The sound carries well in both intimate and larger spaces, it suits formal and relaxed settings equally, and a single musician needs minimal setup space and no PA in most situations. With 110 violinists and fiddle players listed across the UK, you can compare acts by style, repertoire and location to find the right fit for your event.

Violinists for weddings

Weddings account for the majority of violinist bookings. A classical violinist is one of the most popular choices for the ceremony itself, performing as guests arrive and during the processional, signing of the register and recessional. Many couples choose specific pieces for key moments, such as Canon in D for the bridal entrance or a pop ballad arranged for solo violin. Beyond the ceremony, a violinist can provide background music during the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, moving between classical, jazz and contemporary repertoire to match the mood of each part of the day. For the evening reception, an electric violinist performing over backing tracks brings a different energy entirely, and is a popular option for couples who want live music without a full band. If you are planning live music across multiple parts of your wedding day, browse our wedding musicians page for a wider selection of ceremony and reception acts.

Classical, electric and folk violin

Not all violinists play the same kind of music, and the distinction matters when booking. Classical violinists tend to focus on traditional and crossover repertoire, playing acoustically without amplification. They suit ceremonies, formal dinners and drinks receptions where the music should complement conversation rather than dominate it. Electric violinists play amplified through a speaker, often with backing tracks, and cover pop, chart, dance and Bollywood material. They work well at parties, corporate events and evening receptions where you want a more contemporary, high-energy feel. Some musicians offer both acoustic and electric sets, which can be useful if you want one performer to cover multiple parts of the day. Folk fiddle players cover a different tradition entirely, performing jigs, reels and traditional music suited to ceilidh-style celebrations, barn dances and Scottish or Irish themed events.

When to book a violinist vs a larger ensemble

A solo violinist is often the right choice when space is limited, the budget is tight, or the setting calls for something understated. Churches, registry offices, restaurants and smaller function rooms all suit a single musician well. For a bigger sound, you can pair a violinist with a pianist or cellist to form a duo, or book a string trio or string quartet for larger ceremonies and receptions. Some violinists work regularly with other musicians and can arrange a combined booking, so it is worth asking if you want to scale up.

Song requests and repertoire

Most violinists are happy to take song requests, provided these are sent well in advance. Learning and arranging a new piece for solo violin takes time, and some musicians may charge a small fee for this. If you have a specific song in mind for a key moment such as the bridal entrance or first dance, mention it at the enquiry stage so the violinist can confirm whether it is already in their repertoire or can be added. Many violinists list their full repertoire on their profile, which makes it easy to check before you get in touch. For pop and chart material, electric violinists with backing tracks can often cover a wider range of contemporary songs than a purely acoustic player.

How much does a violinist cost?

The average price for a violinist is currently £400. A typical booking covers one to two hours of performance, though this varies by act. Prices depend on the length of performance, the musician's experience, and travel distance to your venue. Electric violinists who perform with full production (backing tracks, speaker, lighting) may charge more than an acoustic player who arrives with just their instrument. Weekend dates during peak wedding season (May to September) tend to be more expensive. You can compare prices across all 110 acts using the price comparison section on this page, and each listing shows a starting rate alongside reviews and media samples.

Practical details

Most acoustic violinists are entirely self-contained and need nothing from the venue beyond a small performance area. Electric violinists will need access to a power socket and enough space for a speaker and possibly a small lighting rig. For outdoor performances, check with your violinist in advance. Wind and rain can affect both the instrument and the sound, so a covered area is usually essential. All professional musicians on the site carry public liability insurance, but your venue may request a copy in advance. If you are planning music for a wedding ceremony at a church, check with the venue whether amplified instruments are permitted, as some churches only allow acoustic performances. For other ceremony and reception options, harpists offer a similarly elegant sound and are another popular choice for the same types of events.