How to Choose a Wedding Musician in Wānaka & Queenstown

The questions every couple asks, and a few they should...

Booking live music for your wedding is one of those decisions that feels bigger than it is. Once you've found the right person, the rest tends to fall into place. But how do you know who's right?After years of playing weddings across Wanaka, Queenstown and Central Otago, here are the questions I hear most and a few I wish more couples thought to ask.

"Do you travel?"

Yes, and most working musicians in this region will. Wanaka and Queenstown are close enough that travel between them is standard. If you're getting married at a more remote venue down south or somewhere off the beaten track, just ask. Most musicians will accommodate it, sometimes with a small travel fee.

"How long do you play for?"

This one depends on what you've booked. For a canapés set, I typically play for around two hours. For a reception, it's usually three to four hours. And yes, if the night's going well and no one wants to go home, I'm happy to keep playing. One thing worth knowing: if you need music during the dinner service, a good musician can handle that too. I can either perform through dinner or run a playlist through my sound system so the vibe stays consistent without a hard stop between courses.

Find someone who can match every part of the day

This is the one I wish more couples thought about. A wedding isn't one mood, it's a full emotional arc. The quieter, more intimate nature of the ceremony is completely different energy from a dancefloor at 11pm. You want a musician who can move between those moments naturally, not someone who only has one gear. When you're enquiring with a musician, ask them specifically how they handle that transition. The answer will tell you a lot.

Don't stress too much about the song list

Genuinely, this is the most common thing I see couples spiral on, and it's usually the thing that matters least on the day. Yes, having a processional song that means something to you is lovely. But what you'll actually remember about your wedding day isn't the specific songs. It's the way the room felt. The faces of the people you love. The moment your partner saw you. A good musician will read the room and make the right calls. Trust that, and let yourself enjoy the day.

One more thing: find someone easy to work with

Beyond the music itself, you want someone who communicates clearly, shows up prepared, and makes the logistics side of your day feel effortless. Ask how they handle song requests, what their setup requires, and whether they're happy to jump on a call before the day. If the conversation feels easy from the start, that's a good sign.