January 14, 2026
How Much Do Live Wedding Bands Cost?
Are you looking to book a live band for your wedding but have no idea how much a reputable one is supposed to cost? If so, you are not alone. Below are some tips to keep in mind when narrowing down how much top wedding bands should cost.
Are you looking to book a live band for your wedding but have no idea how much a reputable one is supposed to cost? If so, you are not alone. Below are some tips to keep in mind when narrowing down how much top wedding bands should cost.
Average Cost of a Live Wedding
A reputable live wedding band typically costs between $12,000 and $16,000.
This price generally reflects experienced, in-demand bands and often includes core performance time, professional musicians, and standard sound equipment.
Live Wedding Band Pricing Factors
Live wedding band pricing can vary significantly depending on several key details of your event. Understanding what goes into a band’s cost can help you set realistic expectations and choose the right entertainment for your wedding. From logistics to talent level, each factor plays a role in the final price.
Band Size & Performance Length
Larger bands and longer performance times typically cost more, as they require additional musicians, coordination, and setup time.
Experience & Reputation
Well-established bands with strong reviews, awards, or high demand often charge higher rates due to their proven professionalism and performance quality.
Location & Travel Requirements
Travel distance, lodging, and load-in logistics can increase pricing, especially for destination weddings or venues with complex access.
Date, Season & Demand
Peak wedding seasons, popular dates, and high-demand weekends often come with premium pricing due to limited availability.
Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Live Wedding Band
1. Ranges Are Not Realistic
Cost ranges are circumstantial and ultimately unreliable. Truthfully, wedding bands can range from $5,000 – $45,000 depending on the band’s size, the location, the parent company, etc. Instead of asking for price ranges, ask for averages based on your specific needs.
2. Your Wedding Band is an Investment
When it comes to wedding entertainment, you are investing in talent and service first, but also insurance policies, professionalism, reputation, and overall experience in the industry. Professional wedding musicians are going to cost more than musicians who do not regularly play weddings.
3. You Get What You Pay For
In the entertainment business, you do get what you pay for. Top tier talent requires top tier compensation- it’s as simple as that.
Hear it on the podcast…
- 13:33
4. Company Values Matter
Be wary of companies with the "I'll throw it in" mentality. It is one thing to throw in an enhancement such as a photo booth because that is a tangible object that does not require compensation. However, if a company offers to throw in free musicians to play during the ceremony or cocktail hour, chances are the musicians are not the best, because talent comes at a cost. If a company is packing you with special deals and add-ons, chances are they are compensating for something else that is lacking.
5. Look At The Big Picture
Keep in mind that a successful wedding band requires a lot more than just talented musicians. Expenses come with equipment, traveling sound technicians, audio engineers, people who will set up and pack up, etc. The price will reflect all of these additional moving parts, which are essential. If the world's best musician plays through the world's worst equipment, it's not going to sound good.
6. Be Realistic
A reputable wedding band in the NJ/NYC area should cost $1,000-$1,500 per person, including the non-musicians who travel with the band. For example, if you book a 7-piece band that comes with a sound technician for a total of 8 people, the minimum you should be prepared to spend is $8,000.
Elegant Music Group Pricing For Live Wedding Bands
Do you want to hire a live wedding band for your wedding?
Contact us today to learn more about our wedding band options and pricing estimates.
