The Ultimate Melbourne Wedding Band & Live Music Hire Guide

Choosing the right live music shapes the entire atmosphere of your wedding day, from the romantic moment you walk down the aisle to a packed, high-energy dance floor at the end of the night.

But between tracking down song lists and managing venue floor plans, organising entertainment can feel like a lot to handle. At Artist Bookings, we remove the administrative hurdles and logistical guesswork, connecting you directly with Melbourne’s finest professional musicians.

This complete guide breaks down exactly what it costs to hire a live act, how to manage your venue setup seamlessly and a curated list of top local talent ready to bring your celebration to life.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wedding Band in Melbourne?

Wedding music pricing generally depends on the size of the lineup and the performance duration. When you book through an agency, your quote includes professional-grade sound systems (PA), equipment and the security of vetted, reliable performers.

To help you map out your wedding entertainment budget, expect these standard starting rates:

• Solo Vocalists / Instrumentalists: From $800

• Acoustic Duos: From $1,600

• Trios: From $2,400

• Full Live Party Bands: From $4,000

Because every wedding is completely unique, we built a tool to take the guesswork out of your planning. You can use our Artist Booking Price Calculator to get an instant, accurate pricing estimate tailored to your specific venue location, arrival times and equipment needs.

Venue Logistics: Space, Power and Timing

Organising live music does not need to be stressful, but getting a few quick logistical details sorted with your venue early will save you a massive headache on the day.

When do the musicians arrive?

Our acts will arrive at your venue to bump in and set up between 45 and 90 minutes before they are scheduled to start playing. This gives them plenty of time to get their gear into the room, test the sound levels and make sure everything is perfectly balanced before your guests walk in.

How much space do they need?

Musicians need enough flat, stable ground to perform comfortably without stepping on your guests' toes on the dance floor.

• Soloists and Duos: A simple, flat space of 3m x 2m is perfect.

• Full Live Bands: A larger area or raised stage of at least 5m x 3m is required so the band can safely fit the drum kit, keyboard stands and amplifiers.

The golden rule of power

Live music gear needs reliable electricity to sound its best. Your venue or marquee coordinator will need to provide standard 10-amp power outlets within 5 to 10 metres of where the musicians are setting up. The most important thing to check is that the band isn't sharing the exact same power circuit as heavy commercial catering ovens. If the caterers turn on the ovens at the same time the band kicks off, it will trip the switchboard and cut the sound mid-song!

Parking and loading access

Amps, drum kits and PA speakers are incredibly heavy. To help our artists get set up quickly and safely, they will need close loading access to the stage area upon arrival, along with a guaranteed parking spot at or immediately next to the venue.

The Best Wedding Bands, Duos and Soloists in Melbourne

The following curated selection features premier Melbourne musicians, categorized by size, genre specialty and instrumentation to help you find the perfect match for your wedding.

Best Live Wedding Bands and Vocal Lead Bands

For a high-energy reception and a packed dance floor, a full live band provides unmatched impact. These acts cover everything from classic rock to contemporary pop and rhythm and blues.

• 5 Degrees South: A 5-piece lineup specializing in smooth Jazz and RnB, featuring guitar, piano, saxophone, bass and drums.

• All Fired Up: A high-energy 5-piece Pop and Rock party band driven by electric guitar, bass and drums.

• Bars, Clubs, Everywhere: A versatile 5-piece group playing a crowd-pleasing mix of Pop and Reggae, featuring guitars, keyboards, bass and drums.

• Disco Extravaganza: A spectacular 5-piece band dedicated to 70s-80s disco hits and Pop, utilizing electric guitar, sax, congas, trumpet, drums, keyboards and backing tracks.

• Groove Music: An expansive 5-piece Rock and Folk outfit featuring keyboard, vocals, guitar, saxophone, flute, trombone, double bass, drums and a percussion section.

• Groove Station: A dynamic 5-piece Pop and Rock band consisting of saxophone, bass, drums, keyboard and guitar.

• Into Groove: A premium 5-piece R&B and Top 40 band blending drums, bass, keyboards, guitar and percussion.

• Joan & The Giants: A modern 5-piece Pop and Top 40 group driven by guitars and drums.

• Lois Lane: A classic 5-piece Rock and covers band featuring drums, bass and lead rhythm keys.

• Luminescence: An elegant 5-piece Pop and Jazz band combining guitar, drum machine and various percussion instruments.

• Magic Machine: A groovy 5-piece dedicated to 70s Disco classics, featuring guitars, drums, keys and percussion.

• Marmalade: A unique 5-piece Jazz and Country band blending guitars, drums, keyboard, bass, trumpet and saxophone.

• Orlando Drive: A sophisticated 5-piece Jazz and Swing band featuring guitar, trumpet, saxophone, cello and drums.

• The Benjamins: A 5-piece band delivering Classic Rock and Reggae anthems with drums, bass, guitar and keys.

• The Captivates: A high-octane 5-piece Rock and Pop group featuring guitar, drums, keys, saxophone and percussion.

• The Swifties: The ultimate 5-piece Taylor Swift Tribute and Pop band, performing with guitars, bass and drums.

• Just Friends: A soulful 6-piece RnB and Soul vocal lead band featuring acoustic and electric guitar, keyboard/piano, percussions, drums and bass guitar.

• Mayfair Band: A premier 6-piece Pop and Rock band utilizing electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, drums and percussion.

• Off The Record: A heavy-hitting 6-piece Rock band featuring drums, lead guitar, bass guitar and acoustic guitar.

• Soul Reign: A rich 6-piece Blues and Soul ensemble combining guitars, bass, drums, keys and horns.

• The Reverend Funk Band: A powerhouse 6-piece Top 40 and Jazz band boasting a full rhythm section and horn section.

Top Wedding Acoustic Duos with Vocals

Acoustic duos are ideal for wedding ceremonies, afternoon cocktail hours and intimate receptions. They offer a compact footprint while delivering rich, full-sounding live music.

• Acoustic Box: Specializing in Rock, Pop and Top 40 acoustic hits, performing with guitar and custom backing tracks.

• Acoustic Collective: Delivering premium Top 40 covers with acoustic guitar and rhythmic drum pedals.

• Alex & Nat: A polished duo performing contemporary Pop, RnB and Top 40 covers on acoustic guitar.

• Andy & Elle: Performing dynamic Pop and Rock Top 40 tracks utilizing guitar, loop pedals and percussion.

• Black Sheep: Bringing Country and Blues covers to life with guitar and looping equipment.

• Brooke and Frank: Delivering beautiful acoustic treatments of classic covers and Top 40 Pop with guitar.

• Charlotte Duo: An Acoustic Pop duo playing Top 40 favourites with acoustic guitar and percussive instruments like stompbox, tambourine and shakers.

• Creme de la Creme: A sophisticated Jazz and Blues duo pairing elegant piano with live vocals.

• Daisy & Dan: An acoustic duo covering an array of Country and Pop covers with guitar.

• Duxie & Luxie: A multi-instrumental duo covering Pop, Rock and originals with guitar, violin, keyboard and piano.

• Dynamic Duo: Delivering soulful Rock, Soul and Top 40 Pop covers with guitar.

• Elise Magic: A smooth Pop and Jazz duo performing top-tier covers with guitar.

• Eliza and Vlad: A high-quality duo covering Top 40 and Pop using acoustic guitar, electric guitar and percussion.

• Felicia & Kay Duo: Specializing in Pop and Classical cross-over covers, featuring grand piano.

• Groove Duo: Bringing infectious Soul and Top 40 Pop to your event with guitar, piano and percussion.

• Groove Music (Duo): A multi-instrumental Jazz and Rock duo utilizing keyboards, flute, trombone and saxophone.

• Indie and Nathan: An upbeat Acoustic Pop duo playing Top 40 hits with guitar and foot percussion.

• Jen and Mark: A classic Jazz duo performing time-honoured Top 40 and Jazz covers with guitar and live vocals.

• Late Shift: A high-energy Top 40 and Pop duo utilizing percussion and foot stompboxes.

• Lavely Music: A smooth Jazz and Soul duo delivering elegant versions of Pop classics with keys and guitar.

• Look Sharp: An Acoustic Pop duo playing Top 40 favorites with live percussion and acoustic guitar.

• Nathan and Susie: An acoustic Pop and Top 40 duo featuring acoustic guitar layered with loop pedals and rich vocal harmonies.

• Neon Jam: A vibrant Acoustic Pop duo delivering modern covers with guitar.

• Oli & Zach: Performing modern RnB, Pop covers and original music with guitar.

• Orchid Duo: A classy Jazz and Latin duo performing with a double bass, guitar and optional drums for a trio lineup.

• Sanctuary: A Pop and Soft Rock duo utilizing acoustic guitar and foot stomps.

• Taylor 2: A smooth Jazz and Pop duo delivering standard covers and Top 40 hits.

• The Runaway Strings: A high-spirited Folk and Bluegrass duo performing standard Pop covers with guitar and banjo/fiddle.

• Tiana & James: Performing traditional Jazz classics and contemporary arrangements with double bass and guitar.

• Tika and Harry: An RnB and Pop duo utilizing intricate guitar work and live looping layers.

• Van and Kat: An Acoustic Folk and Pop duo combining keys, percussion and guitar.

• Wendybird: A versatile duo performing Pop covers via live looping guitar, keys and integrated DJ services.

Sophisticated Solo Vocalists (Male & Female)

Solo artists provide a beautiful, intimate background ambience during guest arrival, cocktail hours or wedding ceremonies.

• Amla: A unique solo multi-instrumentalist covering Pop, Contemporary, World music and Latin styles with flute, violin and live loops.

• Chelly Parisi: A brilliant Pop and Top 40 soloist utilizing acoustic guitar, loop pedals and high-quality backing tracks.

• Elise Kausman (solo): Performing acoustic arrangements of modern Pop and Top 40 hits with guitar.

• Erica Bramham: A distinct Jazz and Pop solo artist performing with a double bass.

• Evelyne Mandoukos: An elegant Pop and Top 40 solo artist pairing beautiful piano work with live vocals.

• Felicia Lase: A smooth Jazz, RnB and Pop soloist performing with piano.

• Helen Catanchin: Delivering deep, expressive versions of Pop, Rock and Blues classics with guitar.

• Jade Nye: A multi-talented Jazz and Funk artist performing Top 40 originals and covers with keys, saxophone and flute.

• Julia Williams: A mesmerizing solo artist performing Pop and originals with harp, guitar, sitar, bass, piano, singing bowls, Tibetan bells, clap sticks, native American Navajo style flute and medicine drums.

• Julie O'Hara: A highly respected Jazz, RnB and Pop solo vocalist delivering world-class vocal performances.

• Katrina Anderson: A multi-instrumental Pop, Rock and Blues soloist playing drums, percussion, keyboard, double bass and electric guitar.

• Laney Mejias: Specializing in Jazz, Blues and cabaret styles with exceptional solo vocals.

• Magdalia: An Indie Pop solo vocalist delivering emotional original music and covers.

• Matilda: Smooth solo vocal performances covering Pop and soft rock Top 40 hits.

• Monica Casaceli: An Indie Pop soloist covering Top 40 hits on guitar and piano.

• Daniele Buatti: A premium male Jazz and Pop vocalist performing elegant sets with piano.

• David Turpie: Delivering raw, acoustic versions of classic Rock and Pop anthems on guitar.

• Josh Romig: A soulful Folk, Reggae and Pop performer utilizing acoustic guitar, foot stompbox and foot tambourine.

• Kevin Carrington: Covering Pop, Blues and Rock Top 40 favourites with guitar and piano.

• Kevin Jones: A high-energy Country, Rock, Funk and RnB solo artist performing with guitar.

• Louis Thompson: An Indie and Pop solo artist performing acoustic covers and originals on acoustic and electric guitar.

• Lucas Amerasekera: A brilliant Pop, Rock and original music performer utilizing guitar and piano.

• Noakesy: An acoustic Jazz, Pop, Blues and Folk solo artist performing with guitar and piano.

• Ron Kingston: Delivering high-end Pop, Soul and Top 40 Rock covers with acoustic guitar.

• Zak Shepherd: A versatile Pop and RnB solo performer utilizing guitar and live loop pedals.

Elite Instrumental and Jazz Bands

If you want an elegant background atmosphere without a lead singer, instrumental ensembles and dedicated jazz bands provide an upscale, classic aesthetic.

• Ben Cooke Trio: An instrumental Jazz and World music ensemble driven by guitar and drums.

• Cameron and the Band: A stunning instrumental Jazz and Latin ensemble showcasing clarinet, saxophone (alto, tenor and baritone), flute and trombone.

• Downtown Jazz: A smooth instrumental Jazz and Soul trio featuring saxophone, guitar and double bass.

• Firetail: A contemporary instrumental Jazz and World music band blending drums, percussion, bass, sax, keys and guitar.

• Jazz de Resistance: A traditional instrumental Jazz trio consisting of saxophone, double bass and guitar.

• Jazz Du Monde: A high-energy instrumental Jazz and Funk outfit featuring accordion, trumpet, guitar, electric bass/tuba and drums.

• JF Ensemble: A tight, grooving instrumental Jazz and Funk trio composed of drums, piano and bass.

• Leong Ensemble: A sophisticated instrumental Jazz and Classical crossover group featuring saxophone, guitar, double bass and drums.

• Smooth Blues: An elegant instrumental Jazz and Blues duo pairing saxophone and clarinet.

• The Lockwood Trio: A vintage-style Century Jazz and Swing trio performing with upright bass and guitars.

• The Martin Collective: A modern instrumental Jazz and Rock Fusion band comprising piano, keyboard, drums, bass, guitar, trumpet and saxophone.

• The Night Haunters: A comprehensive instrumental Jazz band featuring clarinet, alto sax, trombone, piano, bass and drums.

• Trio Access: A classic instrumental acoustic Jazz trio featuring piano, upright bass and a drumkit.

• Wave Jazz: A beautiful instrumental Jazz and ballad trio utilizing guitar, drums and electric bass.

• A Glass of Sharry Ensemble: A vocal-led Jazz and Blues band combining double bass, piano, saxophone, drums and guitar.

• Alice Jazz Ensemble: An instrumental jazz trio delivering beautiful Jazz Classics and Bossa Nova rhythms on alto saxophone, guitar and double bass.

• Connie and The Band: A lively vocal Jazz and Country crossover band featuring piano, guitar, double bass, drums, trumpet and trombone.

• Nica's Dream: An upscale vocal Jazz and Classical ensemble featuring piano, drums, saxophone and bass.

• Nina and the Liquid Gold Ensemble: A high-calibre instrumental Jazz and Funk band consisting of guitars, keyboards, bass and drums.

• Orchid Trio: A swinging vocal Jazz and Top 40 trio featuring guitar, double bass and drums.

• Rosie Mai Trio: A sweet vocal Jazz covers trio utilizing keys and double bass.

• Trio D'Lux: A minimalist vocal Jazz and Bossa Nova band featuring guitar and trumpet.

• Trumpet Jazz Band: A vibrant vocal Jazz and Pop band centered around lead trumpet.

• Yuko band: A premier vocal Jazz band delivering custom performance sets for high-end wedding receptions.

Securing Your Wedding Entertainment

Booking live music should be an exciting milestone in your wedding planning journey, not an administrative chore. By choosing curated agency talent, you gain the peace of mind that your artists are fully insured, highly experienced and completely across venue requirements.

Ready to lock in your live music? Explore the dedicated profile links above to find the perfect style for your big day, head over to our Artist Booking Price Calculator to check your parameters and secure your date with Artist Bookings today.