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Recently addedThe 60-90 Minute Rule for Wedding Ceremony Music:
How Long Your String Quartet Should Play Before the Reception Begins
Quick answer: A string quartet should play for 60 to 90 minutes at a wedding ceremony. This covers 20 to 30 minutes of arrival music, the processional, the signing of the register, the recessional, and post-ceremony music while guests transition to canapés. Less than 60 minutes usually means guests arrive or leave to silence, which flattens the atmosphere.
The most common question we receive after “how much does it cost” is “how long should we book you for?” It depends on how your ceremony is structured, but there’s a clear working range. We’ve performed at over 1,500 weddings since 2011, and 60 to 90 minutes is the sweet spot.
Why 60 to 90 minutes and not shorter?
The ceremony itself, from processional to recessional, is usually only 20 to 30 minutes. Couples sometimes assume this means they only need to book the quartet for half an hour. That’s a mistake.
Guests arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Without music during that window, the space feels flat, guests speak in whispers, and the room never warms up. Live music during arrival fixes this instantly and masks small awkward silences (a delayed bride, a photographer moving people) that inevitably happen. After the recessional, guests need 10 to 20 minutes to greet the couple and drift toward canapés. Music covering that transition keeps the emotional momentum going.
The four key moments your quartet plays through
Every wedding ceremony has four musical moments, and a well-timed 60-90 minute booking covers all of them.
1. Arrival music (20 to 30 minutes)
Played as guests take their seats. Usually a mix of gentle classical and modern instrumental pieces. This is when the quartet does most of its background work, setting the mood without demanding attention.
2. The processional (2 to 4 minutes)
The bridal party’s entrance. Most couples choose one song for the entire processional so the entry feels seamless. We loop and fade the song as needed so the bride never feels rushed if the walk takes longer than expected.
3. The signing of the register (5 to 10 minutes)
The quiet middle of the ceremony. Two or three shorter pieces played while the couple, celebrant and witnesses complete the paperwork.
4. The recessional (2 to 4 minutes)
The couple’s exit as married partners. Usually something joyful, uplifting or celebratory. This is the moment guests remember most vividly.
What if the ceremony runs long or short?
Ceremonies rarely run exactly to plan. Brides run 5 to 15 minutes late (this is normal), celebrants speak longer than expected, or a signing takes 12 minutes instead of six. We adapt in real time. Songs are looped, faded, or extended as needed. This is why booking a 60 to 90 minute window matters more than trying to book the exact ceremony length.
When 60 minutes is enough and when 90 makes more sense
Book 60 minutes if your ceremony is short (under 25 minutes), your guest list is small (under 60), and canapés or the reception space is immediately accessible after the recessional. Common for elopements and intimate chapel ceremonies.
Book 90 minutes if your guest count is 80 or more, your venue involves guests moving between spaces, or you want the quartet to play through the initial canapés window. If you want music through canapés and into the reception, our receptions and celebrations page explains how to structure longer performances.
What we need from you before the ceremony
The 60-90 minute rule works only if we’ve been briefed on your run of show: start time and expected duration, processional song, any signing songs, recessional song, order of service if one exists, and your celebrant’s contact details. We lock these in during the final 2 to 4 weeks before the wedding. Up to three special song requests are included at no additional cost. Additional custom arrangements are $200 + GST per song.
Where to go from here
If you’re still deciding on ceremony music, our wedding ceremonies page walks through how we structure performances, and our recordings library has 390 samples so you can hear how songs translate to string quartet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a string quartet play at a wedding ceremony?
60 to 90 minutes is standard. This covers arrival music, processional, signing of the register, recessional, and 10 to 20 minutes of post-ceremony music while guests transition to canapés.
Can I book a string quartet for just 30 minutes?
It’s possible but rarely recommended. A 30-minute booking usually means guests arrive or leave to silence. 60 minutes is the practical minimum.
Do you charge extra if the ceremony runs longer than planned?
If your ceremony runs slightly over into your booked window, there’s no additional charge. If you’d like us to play beyond your booked time, we can extend at our hourly rate.
How many songs do I need to choose for the ceremony?
Typically 4 to 6 songs: 1 or 2 arrival pieces, 1 processional, 1 or 2 signing pieces, and 1 recessional. We’ll recommend from our library of over 3,000 songs based on the mood you want.
Do you play during vows or readings?
No. Live music during vows competes with the celebrant’s voice. We play before, during transitional moments (processional, signing, recessional), and after.
Author
Jennen Ngiau-Keng is the founder of String Musicians Australia and an award-winning violinist based in Melbourne. Trained at the Australian National Academy of Music and holding a Master of Music Studies from the University of Tasmania, Jennen has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, collaborated with artists like Hans Zimmer and Russell Crowe, and earned over 100 awards across national and international music competitions. He founded String Musicians Australia in 2011, bringing together some of Australia's most distinguished musicians for over 2,000 events nationwide.