Top 10 Jazz Wedding Bands for Hire in 2025

Music is an integral part of any wedding celebration, and there's nothing like the elegant and timeless sounds of jazz to set the tone for your special day.

Whether you're looking for romantic ballads during your drinks reception or photos, or swinging big band tunes in the evening, we've got you covered.

Choosing a genre

Some of our most popular wedding jazz band genres are:

• Modern jazz bands
  The jazz trio is the most popular format. These play a mixture of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook made famous by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday as well as songs by modern jazz or easy listening artists such as Jamie Cullum and Norah Jones.

• Trad or dixieland jazz
  The earliest form of jazz, originating from New Orleans in the early 20th century, with a focus on collective improvisation. Dixieland bands typically consist of a trumpet, trombone, clarinet, piano, drums, and a double bass or tuba and are ideal as background music at outdoor wedding receptions as they don't require a power supply.

• Swing and big band
  These larger line-ups include vocals and drums, and are intended for dancing at evening wedding parties. Often these bands will perform swinging jazz arrangements of pop hits (in the style of the band Postmodern Jukebox), by artists such as Beyonce, Dua Lipa and Harry Styles.

• Vintage/Great Gatsby-style
  With a similar repertoire to our swing and big bands, but dressed in vintage costumes – a glamorous choice for a high-end wedding. Artists include giants of the swing era, such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. They're also likely to perform pop songs in a jazz style.

• Gypsy jazz
  Also known as Jazz Manouche, gypsy jazz originated in France in the 1930s and is synonymous with guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli. A typical gypsy jazz band might include an acoustic guitar, double bass and violin, or another melody instrument such as clarinet or accordion. The music is usually upbeat and lively, which makes it ideally suited to garden wedding receptions.

Choosing the right size band

Smaller wedding jazz bands such as a guitar and sax duo or sax, piano and bass trio are ideal for background music. These line-ups generally don't include a drummer, so guests will still be able to hear themselves talk.

Larger swing bands and big bands are recommended for dancing, as these usually include a drummer and a frontman/woman.

As a general rule:

• If you're after background music during your drinks reception, photos or wedding meal, book a duo, trio or quartet.
• If you're after music to dance to in the evening: book a 5-piece band at a minimum, taking care to ensure that this includes a vocalist and drummer.

Remember, if your event doesn’t have the budget or space for more than one musician, you can still hire one of our jazz pianists or solo Rat Pack style singer who will add a touch of elegance and class to any event.

Midnight Blue is a London-based jazz trio renowned for their sophisticated renditions of classic jazz standards and inventive jazz interpretations of contemporary pop hits. Their versatile repertoire spans artists from The Beatles to Sam Smith, offering a fresh musical experience that appeals to diverse audiences.

The trio's extensive performance history includes prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, The O2 Arena, The Barbican, and Abbey Road Studios. They have entertained notable figures, including Tony Blair, Daniel Craig, Prince Charles, and the King of Malaysia.

Midnight Blue's core lineup features guitar, double bass, and saxophone, ideal for providing elegant background music at receptions and garden parties. Their signature postmodern jukebox style blends well-known pop songs with a jazzy twist, catering to both younger audiences and classic jazz enthusiasts.

As one of London's most sought-after wedding jazz bands, Midnight Blue has performed at events for clients such as Harrods, Tesco, Apple, and BMW. Their adaptability and extensive repertoire make them a fitting choice for various occasions, ensuring a memorable musical ambiance tailored to any event.

The Retro Pops are a postmodern jazz band from Sheffield, renowned for their inventive reinterpretations of classic pop songs from the 1970s to the 2020s. They infuse genres like jazz, blues, and calypso into hits such as "Walking on Sunshine," "Sweet Child O' Mine," and "Happy," offering a fresh alternative to traditional party bands.

With extensive experience performing at high-profile events for international brands and celebrities, as well as numerous weddings and parties, the band has established a reputation for engaging performances that keep guests dancing and talking long after the event.

The Retro Pops offer flexible line-ups, starting as a 4-piece ensemble with a female vocalist, and can expand up to a 6-piece band to suit various budgets and venue sizes. They are versatile in their performances, capable of delivering both jazz-infused sets and traditional party music, tailoring their repertoire to the client's preferences.

Their unique approach and professionalism have garnered positive feedback from clients, who praise their ability to energize the dance floor and exceed expectations, making them a sought-after choice for events seeking a distinctive musical experience.

The Basin Street Band is a London-based swing ensemble renowned for energizing dance floors with their vintage-themed performances. Their repertoire seamlessly blends authentic 1920s to 1940s jazz with inventive renditions of contemporary hits, appealing to diverse audiences.

With extensive experience spanning jazz festivals, royal events, and collaborations with brands like Porsche and GQ Magazine, the band comprises top-tier musicians passionate about their craft. Notably, they've performed for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and at numerous weddings across the UK.

The Basin Street Band offers customizable services, including options to expand their brass section for a richer sound or to provide a background quartet for more intimate settings. Their standard lineup features female vocals, saxophone, trumpet, double bass, guitar, and drums, with performances typically consisting of two 45-minute or 60-minute sets.

Their diverse song list includes jazz standards and swing-style covers of modern songs, such as "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk, "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, and "Crazy In Love" by Beyoncé. This versatility makes them a fitting choice for weddings, corporate events, jazz clubs, and swing dance parties.

Django's Jive is a versatile gypsy jazz and acoustic swing band based in London, offering performances as a duo, trio, or quartet, with the trio—comprising two guitars and a double bass—being the most popular choice.

Their repertoire blends traditional swing and Django Reinhardt pieces with modern jazz, and they collaborate with talented vocalists to deliver vintage-style renditions of classic pop songs by artists like Neil Young and Nirvana.

Known for their compact setup, Django's Jive is ideal for events seeking acoustic background music, yet they can also energize the atmosphere by engaging with guests and bringing vintage swing vibes to dance events.

Regular performers in London's wine and cocktail bar scene, the band frequently plays at venues such as the Victualler, El Gaucho, and The Park Plaza Hotel, showcasing their popularity and appeal.

The Highball Swingers are a Liverpool-based swing band renowned for their sophisticated, postmodern style and dynamic performances. Specialising in vintage renditions of contemporary hits, they infuse classics from artists like Frank Sinatra and Amy Winehouse with unique swing interpretations of songs by Queen and Michael Jackson.

Many members are alumni of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and have toured internationally with artists such as Natalie McCool. Their extensive experience spans theaters, arenas, and festivals across Europe and beyond.

The band offers flexible line-ups, from a 5-piece ensemble to a full 7-piece band with additional trumpet and male vocals, catering to various event sizes and preferences. They provide services including song requests, afternoon jazz sets, and DJ options to enhance any occasion.

Regular performers at top UK venues, The Highball Swingers have recently entertained guests at locations such as Claro Barracks, Easby Hall, and Manchester Town Hall. Their engaging stage presence and versatile repertoire make them a popular choice for weddings, parties, festivals, and corporate events.

The 12th Street Swingers are a versatile Dixieland jazz band from Surrey, specializing in classic New Orleans-style music. Their adaptable line-ups, ranging from a trio to a six-piece ensemble, make them suitable for various events, offering both background music and lively performances.

Their standard trio features trumpet or clarinet, banjo, and sousaphone or acoustic bass guitar, ideal for informal settings. For a mainstream swing sound, they can substitute guitar and double bass. Larger line-ups with added drums are available for events requiring dynamic dance music.

The band boasts an impressive client list, including performances at Buckingham Palace, Royal Ascot, and Tower Bridge. They have entertained at jazz festivals across Europe, major film premieres, and events like the Chelsea Flower Show. Their experience spans various occasions, from birthday parties and bar mitzvahs to funerals and New Year celebrations.

With a vast repertoire and flexible configurations, the 12th Street Swingers can tailor their performance to suit the specific needs of any event, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

The Knights of Swing are a distinguished UK jazz and swing band, celebrated for their renditions of classics by artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Michael Bublé. Their performances have graced prestigious venues such as The Savoy, Claridge's, The House of Lords, and Blenheim Palace, and they have entertained corporate clients including John Lewis, Vodafone, ASOS, and British Airways.

Available as a quartet or quintet with saxophone, the band offers flexibility to suit various events. They are open to learning specific songs upon request, making them a fitting choice for weddings, parties, and corporate functions.

Their repertoire includes timeless tracks like "The Girl From Ipanema," "Fly Me To The Moon," and "The Way You Look Tonight," showcasing their versatility and appeal to diverse audiences.

Clients consistently praise the Knights of Swing for their exceptional performances and professionalism, making them a top choice for those seeking high-quality jazz and swing entertainment.

Bertie & The Spiffs are a dynamic 1920s-style jazz band based in West Yorkshire, known for their unique blend of swing music infused with eccentricity and humor. Their performances are designed to delight audiences, encouraging smiles and dancing to their lively tunes.

The band has showcased their roaring jazz at prestigious venues, including Wembley Stadium and the London Excel Arena, as well as numerous weddings and private parties, consistently delivering energetic performances that captivate guests.

Their diverse repertoire spans from Beyoncé to Led Zeppelin, each song reimagined with their distinctive flair. For events requiring continuous music, they offer an in-house laptop DJ service, providing mixed tracks and accommodating requests between and after their live sets, eliminating the need for a separate DJ.

For background music, the band offers a 4-piece ensemble, while their 5-piece lineup, which includes drums, is ideal for after-dinner dancing. Additional options include expanding the band for a fuller sound and learning specific song requests to personalize your event.

The Modern Swing Band, based in London, specializes in delivering contemporary pop hits with a unique swing twist, reminiscent of Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox style. Their versatile performances range from sophisticated background music to energetic sets that keep guests dancing all night.

With a lineup that includes male vocals, guitar, double bass, keys, and drums, the band offers options to add up to three female vocalists and a saxophone player for extra impact. They have performed at prestigious venues like The Savoy and have entertained audiences internationally in Dubai, Washington DC, and Barcelona.

Notably, The Modern Swing Band has supported Olly Murs on tour and even performed for Prince Harry in London. Their repertoire features swing-infused renditions of songs like "All of Me," "Sweet Child O' Mine," and "The Way You Make Me Feel," among others.

Clients have praised the band for creating magical atmospheres and unforgettable entertainment experiences, with one noting, "Even my grandpa was dancing, and that's something I've never seen before!" Their commitment to top-quality sound and vintage styling ensures a memorable event for all guests.

The Postmodern Jazz Cats are a London-based ensemble renowned for their intoxicating blend of jazz, swing, and contemporary pop hits, delivered by world-class musicians. Their versatile performances make them a sought-after choice for weddings, parties, and corporate events, adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to any occasion.

The band offers flexible line-ups, ranging from a trio to a seven-piece ensemble, allowing clients to tailor the musical experience to their event's specific needs. They also provide additional services, such as afternoon jazz sets, to enhance the ambiance throughout the day.

Their repertoire seamlessly transitions between timeless jazz standards and upbeat swing numbers, ensuring a lively atmosphere that keeps guests engaged. The Postmodern Jazz Cats' commitment to both musical excellence and polished presentation has earned them a reputation as one of London's premier jazz ensembles.

Continue browsing the UK's best jazz bands here, or give us a call on 0333 242 0560 to discuss your requirements.