Live acoustic guitar for your wedding day, warm, personal, and professional. Serving couples across Worcestershire, the West Midlands, and surrounding counties.
I'm Stuart Toogood, a professional acoustic wedding guitarist based in Worcestershire. I've been playing at weddings for around 20 years, about 450 in total, and what still makes each one feel worthwhile is the same thing it always has been: being part of a day that genuinely matters to someone.
Live music changes the atmosphere in a way that a speaker and a playlist simply can't. It fills the room with something real, and the right song at the right moment, as a bride walks down the aisle, or as guests settle in for drinks, creates a memory that lasts.
I play a wide range of acoustic music, from classic Beatles songs through to Ed Sheeran and beyond. It's background music done well, not too loud, not intrusive, just right. And before your day, I'll always invite you to come over so we can go through song choices together and make sure everything feels exactly as you imagined.
"Stuart is AMAZING. He plays exceptionally, took the time to get to know us, and made our day a dream. The guests thought he made the day extra special."— Kayleigh Tipper
Most couples book me for one of three options. I'm always happy to discuss combinations, your wedding is unique and the music should reflect that. Here are the most popular options, though I'm flexible and will work around whatever suits you best.
The most popular combination. I'll play as your guests arrive and take their seats, during your entrance, the register signing, and your exit, then continue through drinks as your guests mingle and celebrate.
Ceremony musicA great option if you want a particular recorded song for the ceremony. I take over from drinks onwards, meaning you actually get to sit and enjoy the live music rather than being taken away for photographs.
Drinks receptionLive acoustic guitar for your ceremony, then again during your wedding breakfast. A lovely combination if you want recorded music during drinks or prefer to save the live performance for sitting down together.
Wedding breakfast
A lot of couples start by asking whether live music is really worth it over a good playlist. It's a fair question, and the honest answer is that it depends on how much the atmosphere of your day matters to you.
What live acoustic guitar does that a speaker can't is fill the room with presence. Guests notice it. They comment on it. It gives people something to enjoy and talk about while you're off having photographs taken. And when you play someone down the aisle to a song that actually means something to them, performed live by someone who knows the couple, that's a moment that simply doesn't happen any other way.
I play instrumental fingerstyle guitar, which means the music is warm and recognisable without being overpowering. Songs people know and love, played at a volume that lets conversation flow. It complements your day, it doesn't take it over.
I always invite couples to come over to my home before the wedding so we can go through song ideas together properly. We'll look at what I already play, talk through any special requests, and make sure every choice feels right for your day.
If there's a particular song you want that isn't already in my set list, I'll learn it. I do this regularly, most weddings have at least one specially prepared song, and getting that entrance piece right is one of the most important things I do.
After your wedding, I'll send you a copy of my electronic album as a small keepsake from the day.
Having played at weddings across the region for 20 years, I know many of the most popular venues personally, the layouts, the acoustics, the staff, and often the registrars too. That familiarity means less uncertainty on your day and better music placement across the venue.
Don't see your venue listed? I cover a wide area and am likely to have played nearby. Get in touch and I'll let you know.
I'm based in Worcestershire and available for weddings across the West Midlands and surrounding counties. Travel is included as standard within a reasonable distance, if you're unsure whether your venue is covered, just ask.
Everything you need to know about live guitar for your ceremony, entrance, vows, register and exit.
Find out moreRelaxed live acoustic music while your guests mingle and celebrate after the ceremony.
Find out moreGentle background guitar during your meal, keeping the atmosphere warm and unhurried.
Find out moreI'd love to hear about your day. Get in touch and I'll come back to you quickly with availability and any answers you need.