There are a number of possible combinations of musicians to perform at your ceremony, the most common being listed here.
All fees include an initial consultation if required. The pre-wedding rehearsal with the Priest does not usually involve the musicians. Payment is most easily made on the day in cash or cheque (check the payee though with the Director of Music). Pre-payment by cheque is also possible by arrangement. Please arrange for the best man to pay the musicians before the ceremony – you will all be busy with photographs after it!
- Organist only £130*
- Organist + one soloist £250*
- Organist + approved guest singer(s) £150*
- Organist + choir £480*
- Organist + choir with soloist £500*
- Organist + choir with choir director £650*
(when certain specialist music is required)
*If you intending to video or record the service, please read the following notes carefully: Any amateur or professional recording of music is subject to copyright law, and must be covered by a licence. Any accredited video company will have one of these, but it is possible also to obtain a one-off licence at reasonable cost (around £20). Google wedding video licence for more details.
Even with the licence, the musicians (organist, singers etc) have the right to charge extra to have their performances recorded; we follow the guidelines issued by the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the Musicians Union and other professional organisations.
Video recording (including video devices on phones, iPads, cameras etc):
100% of total fees (double the total amount)
Audio recording only (including recording devices on phones, minidisc etc):
50% of total fees (half the total amount)
The person making the recording is responsible for obtaining the appropriate licence to record copyright material. But because the performers themselves are liable to prosecution for performing copyright material which is being recorded without a licence, we must reserve the right to refuse to play or sing without prior arrangement and agreement to pay the extra fees. So if you wish to have the organist only, the standard fee is £130. With a video agreement, this becomes £260.
It does seem a lot, but don’t forget that our musicians have trained and practised for many years to obtain their standard of musicianship, usually at great cost too. We always ask you to compare the fees to what you are asked to pay for the other services you are receiving on the day of your wedding!
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