16 June 2026· Last updated June 2026
What does a string quartet cost for a wedding ceremony in the Netherlands? Indicative ranges, what is included, and the ceremony acts Lupa actually books.
What does a string quartet cost for a wedding ceremony?
**Short answer:** A string quartet for a wedding ceremony in the Netherlands costs an indicative €600 to €1,200 for the ceremony set, and a solo violinist sits around €300 to €600. These are indicative market ranges for the Netherlands and Belgium. Lupa quotes every event individually. Lupa does not keep a dedicated string quartet on its boutique roster; for ceremonies we book a jazz trio from €1,400, an acoustic duo from €1,000, or a soloist from €600, which cover the same moment and carry into the drinks and dinner.
By Noam Bargil, founder of Lupa Entertainment and bandleader of Benga Band Amsterdam.
The price covers a short, focused performance: roughly 20 to 40 minutes built around the processional, the signing of the register, and the recessional, plus a prelude while guests are seated. A quartet that stays on for the drinks reception is a separate, longer booking.
Here is how the common ceremony formats compare.
| Format | Players | Indicative market range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo violinist | 1 | €300 to €600 | A single, intimate processional moment |
| String quartet | 4 | €600 to €1,200 | A formal, classical ceremony |
| Acoustic duo | 2 | €1,000 to €1,200 | Ceremony plus relaxed drinks, modern songs |
| Jazz trio | 3 to 4 | €1,400 to €2,400 | Ceremony, drinks, and dinner in one act |
| Soloist (vocal or sax) | 1 | from €600 | A focused highlight at one key moment |
The acoustic duo, jazz trio, and soloist figures are Lupa's real starting prices. The string quartet and solo violinist figures are indicative market ranges, because Lupa does not keep a dedicated string quartet on its boutique roster. More on that below.
What is included in a string quartet ceremony price?
A standard ceremony quote covers four musicians, the ceremony set, travel within roughly 50 kilometers, and a basic ceremony PA if the venue needs amplification outdoors. It usually does not include an extended reception set, premium amplification for large outdoor spaces, or music rights.
Ask any act to confirm these line items before you sign:
For most established wedding venues the venue pays BumaStemra as part of the venue fee, but confirm this in writing. For a fuller breakdown of the line items that surprise couples, read the hidden costs of wedding music.
How long does a string quartet play at a ceremony?
A ceremony set is short by design, usually 20 to 40 minutes of music spread across the key moments rather than played continuously. The structure most couples use is a prelude as guests are seated, a processional for the entrance, a quiet interlude during the signing of the register, and a recessional as you walk back out.
If you want music to continue into the drinks reception, that is a second, longer set and it changes the act you should book. A quartet can do it, but a jazz trio or acoustic duo is usually better value because the same musicians carry the ceremony and the reception without a second booking.
Do you actually need a string quartet, or is there a better option?
A string quartet is beautiful for a formal, classical ceremony, and nothing matches four strings for a grand processional in a church or a stately venue. But it does one job. It does not carry the drinks reception, the dinner, or the dance floor, so most couples who book a quartet still book a second act for the rest of the day.
This is why Lupa does not keep a dedicated string quartet on its boutique roster. We curate acts that cover more of the day from a single, vetted booking. For ceremonies we most often book:
If a classical string sound is non-negotiable, we will tell you honestly and point you to a specialist. That is the boutique, curator-led approach: the right act for your day, not the act we happen to have.
String quartet vs jazz trio: which is right for your ceremony?
Choose a string quartet if the ceremony is formal and classical and you are booking a separate act for the reception anyway. Choose a jazz trio if you want one act to carry the whole day with a warmer, more modern feel.
| | String quartet | Jazz trio |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Formal, classical, traditional | Warm, modern, versatile |
| Covers | Ceremony only | Ceremony, drinks, and dinner |
| Indicative cost | €600 to €1,200 | from €1,400 |
| Second act needed | Usually yes | Usually no |
For the wider question of how many players a wedding needs, see how many musicians you need for a wedding.
How far in advance should you book ceremony music?
Book ceremony music nine to twelve months ahead for a peak-season Saturday between May and September, and earlier if your date is in June or September, the two busiest months in the Netherlands. Weekday and winter ceremonies can often be booked on shorter notice.
The strongest acts for a given Saturday go first, so once your date and venue are set, lock the ceremony music alongside the reception act.
Common mistakes when booking ceremony music
The Lupa acts we recommend for ceremonies
Each of our acts suits a specific kind of room. For ceremonies and the moments around them:
Hear the full roster on the artists page, with live video on every profile.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a string quartet cost for a wedding ceremony?
An indicative €600 to €1,200 for the ceremony set in the Netherlands and Belgium. A solo violinist sits around €300 to €600. These are indicative market ranges. Lupa books a jazz trio from €1,400 or an acoustic duo from €1,000 for couples who want one act across the day.
How do I hire a string quartet for a ceremony in the Netherlands?
Tell an agency your date, venue, and the ceremony moments you want music for, then ask for live video and a written quote. Lupa does not keep a dedicated quartet, so we will either propose our ceremony acts or point you to a specialist if classical strings are essential.
Can a string quartet play at an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, but an open garden or beach absorbs the sound, so you need a ceremony PA with discreet microphones. Confirm amplification at the quote stage, never on the day.
What is the best act for a wedding ceremony?
There is no single best act. A string quartet suits a formal, classical ceremony; a jazz trio or acoustic duo suits a warmer ceremony that flows into the reception; a soloist suits one focused highlight. Match the act to the room and the rest of the day.
Is a string quartet better than a soloist or a duo?
It depends on the feel you want. A solo violinist (€300 to €600) is intimate and budget-friendly, a quartet (€600 to €1,200) is grand and formal, and an acoustic duo (from €1,000) is modern and carries into the drinks. None is universally better.
Should I book a string quartet or a jazz trio for my ceremony?
Book a quartet if the ceremony is formal and you have a separate reception act. Book a jazz trio (from €1,400) if you want one act to cover the ceremony, the drinks, and the dinner.
How long does ceremony music last?
A ceremony set is usually 20 to 40 minutes, covering the prelude, processional, signing interlude, and recessional. Continuing into the drinks reception is a separate, longer booking.
How far in advance should I book ceremony music?
Nine to twelve months for a peak-season Saturday between May and September, earlier for June and September. Weekday and winter dates can be booked later.
Next step
Tell us your date, venue, and the ceremony moments you want music for, and we will send two or three acts that fit, with live video and a transparent quote. We reply within 12 hours.
Request a ceremony shortlist or browse the full Lupa roster.
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