How much does a wedding DJ cost?
How much does a wedding DJ cost?
$150 – $300 average cost per hour
$800 – $1,600 average total cost to hire
Wedding DJ cost
A wedding DJ costs $800 to $1,600 on average, with most couples spending around $1,200. Wedding DJ prices range from $500 to $4,500+, depending on the package, add-ons, event length, location, and DJ's experience. Wedding DJs typically charge $150 to $300 per hour for the reception.
| Package type | Average cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic wedding DJ package | $500 – $1,000 |
|
| Average wedding DJ package | $1,000 – $1,500 |
|
| Premium wedding DJ package | $1,500 – $4,500 |
|
Average wedding DJ cost
The following table shows the average price for a wedding DJ.
| National Average Cost | $1,200 |
| Minimum Cost | $200 |
| Maximum Cost | $6,000 |
| Average Range | $800 to $1,600 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.
Wedding DJ prices
Wedding DJ prices range from $200 to $4,500+, depending on the DJ's level of expertise and the package selected. Most wedding DJs quote a total package price, with extra fees for add-on services. Some DJs charge an hourly rate or offer a price list of à la carte services.
Cost to hire a wedding DJ per hour
The cost to hire a wedding DJ is $150 to $300 per hour, depending on the DJ's experience and if the package includes emcee service. DJs charge $600 to $1,200 for 4 hours.
| Length | Price range |
|---|---|
| 3 Hours | $450 – $900 |
| 4 Hours | $600 – $1,200 |
| 5 Hours | $750 – $1,500 |
| 6 Hours | $900 – $1,800 |
| Additional hours | $100 – $300 per hour |
Typical wedding DJ rates by experience
Professional DJs charge $1,100 to $2,800+ on average. Beginner DJs charge $600 or less as they are still gaining experience. Before hiring a beginner or part-time DJ, confirm they have access to the music you want.
| Experience | Average cost | Description |
| Beginner DJ | $200 – $600 |
|
| Part-time DJ | $400 – $1,000 |
|
| Professional DJ | $1,100 – $2,800+ |
|
Wedding DJ price list by location
Wedding DJ prices are higher than average in major mid-Atlantic and west coast cities with a higher cost of living.
| City, State | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $900 – $1,800 |
| Austin, TX | $900 – $1,900 |
| Boston, MA | $1,200 – $2,400 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $1,300 – $2,700 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Denver, CO | $1,000 – $2,100 |
| Houston, TX | $1,000 – $1,900 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $900 – $1,800 |
| Long Island, NY | $1,300 – $2,600 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1,100 – $2,300 |
| Miami, FL | $1,000 – $1,900 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Nashville, TN | $800 – $1,600 |
| New Orleans, LA | $900 – $1,800 |
| New York, NY | $1,300 – $2,600 |
| Newark, NJ | $1,300 – $2,600 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Richmond, VA | $1,000 – $1,900 |
| San Antonio, TX | $900 – $1,900 |
| San Francisco, CA | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Seattle, WA | $1,100 – $2,500 |
Add-on DJ costs for wedding reception
Wedding DJ package add-ons include:
| Add-on service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Ceremony audio | $150 – $320 |
| Uplighting | $250 – $500 |
| Monogram name / Gobo lighting | $200 – $300 |
| Fog machine / Dancing on the clouds | $175 – $400 |
| Premium dancefloor lighting | $100 – $400 |
| Slideshow / custom image projection | $150 – $350 |
| Karaoke service | $200 – $300 |
| Photo booth rental | $400 – $1,000 |
| Extra speakers or subwoofers | $50 – $225 |
| Wireless/lapel microphone | $50 – $150 |
| Laser light show projector | $50 – $120 |
| Bubble machine | $30 – $80 |
| Confetti cannon kit | $40 – $50 |
| Giant lighted marquee letter rental | $75 – $90 per letter |
How DJs charge for a wedding
Wedding DJ companies charge a package fee or hourly rate based on the following factors:
DJ experience and reputation – A well-known, professional DJ in high demand costs more than a beginner.
Wedding date & season – Rates are lower for weddings held in the off-season or on days other than Saturday.
Wedding reception length – DJ packages range from 3 to 6+ hours. Select a longer package if your reception includes a cocktail hour.
Ceremony audio – Most DJs charge $150 to $320 extra to provide sound for the ceremony.
Location – The cost of a wedding DJ is typically higher in large cities and lower in rural areas.
Venue setting & size – Costs increase if the venue has multiple rooms requiring sound as each space requires additional equipment.
Indoor vs. outdoor wedding – Some DJs have an upcharge of $100 to $150 for outdoor weddings because getting access to electricity for their equipment is more challenging.
Equipment – Additional speakers, subwoofers, and wireless or lapel microphones cost extra.
Lighting – Most DJ packages include only basic dancefloor lighting, with enhanced lighting options available as add-ons.
Number of DJs – Professional wedding DJs often work with an assistant, increasing costs.
Emcee service – Wedding DJs typically provide emcee service as part of their package, but some offer it only as an add-on.
Travel fees – DJs charge $50 to $100 for weddings over 50 miles away.
Wedding emcee cost
A wedding emcee costs $200 to $500. Most DJs offer emcee services as part of their wedding package or as an add-on. An emcee acts as the master of ceremonies, makes announcements, and keeps the event running smoothly and on schedule.
DJ vs. wedding band cost
A live wedding band costs $2,500 to $6,500 on average, depending on the event length and the band type, size, and music genre. Fees increase if you want the band to learn a new song or license the performance rights for a popular new hit song.
Hiring a DJ instead of a live band is often the best choice for couples who want a wider variety of music at their event.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a DJ cost for 4 hours?
Wedding DJs charge $600 to $1,200+ for 4 hours, not including add-on services like uplighting, monogram name lighting, or enhanced dancefloor lights. In comparison, the average cost of a DJ for birthday parties and corporate events is $300 to $800.
What does a wedding DJ do?
A wedding DJ plays music throughout the reception and keeps the event running on schedule. Your wedding DJ may also handle music at the ceremony or act as the emcee to make announcements and introductions throughout the reception.
A skilled DJ can read the mood of the crowd, play the right music to entice guests onto the dancefloor, and ensure everyone enjoys the dance party.
When to book a DJ for a wedding?
Book a wedding DJ at least 8 months before your wedding day or as soon as you book your wedding venue. Meet with the DJ again 2 to 6 weeks before the wedding to discuss the playlist, go over the timeline, and review final plans.
Who pays for the DJ at a wedding?
The bride's family traditionally pays for the DJ at a wedding. However, that practice has evolved in recent years, and the groom's family often covers the cost of music and alcohol for the reception instead.
How much do you tip a wedding DJ?
Tip a wedding DJ 10% to 15% of their total fee if the package price does not already include a gratuity.
How to save money on wedding DJ costs?
Follow these tips to make hiring a wedding DJ more affordable:
Limit the hours – Hire the DJ to play music for only a portion of the reception. Play prerecorded music instead during the first hour while guests arrive and the bridal party is with the photographer.
Basic lighting package – Choose a DJ package with minimal lighting add-ons to reduce costs.
Beginner or associate DJ – Hire a DJ who is still new to the industry or book an associate DJ who works for a professional DJ.
Emcee service – Ask a friend or family member to act as the master of ceremonies and handle announcements.
Off-season discounts – Hold the wedding during the off-season or any day other than Saturday.
DIY streaming – Renting a sound system costs $50 to $300 on average, and includes speakers, a microphone, and a mixer.
Do wedding DJs also provide lighting?
Yes, most wedding DJs offer lighting in addition to music. A standard DJ package typically includes basic dancefloor lighting. Add-ons like uplights, a monogram name light, or premium dancefloor lighting cost $100 to $500 extra.
How to find and hire a wedding DJ
Follow the tips below to find and hire the best wedding DJ near you:
Get quotes from at least two DJs who specialize in weddings.
Ask for referrals from friends, family, and your wedding planner.
Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
Meet with the DJs to discuss your wedding plans and music tastes.
Select a DJ whose style and personality are a good fit for your wedding.
Ask the DJ to describe their pre-wedding planning and wedding day process.
Get a detailed contract in writing that breaks down everything included in your package, the payment plan, and the refund and cancellation policy.
Beware of basing the decision solely on price. The DJ with the lowest price may lack experience or isn't as good as local competitors.
What questions to ask wedding DJs
How would you describe your performance style?
How long have you been in business?
How many weddings do you work on an average weekend?
What music genre do you have the most experience with?
Can we see some of your most popular playlists?
Can we create our own playlist or request songs to be played?
Will the DJ take song requests from guests?
How many people will be working at our wedding?
Do you bring all the necessary equipment, or will we need to provide anything?
Do you bring backup equipment in case anything goes wrong?
Do you provide emcee services?
Is the set-up and takedown time included in our package hours or billed separately?
Do you take breaks during the event?
What services and items does our package include?
Do you offer additional services like lighting or a fog machine?
What is your payment schedule?
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
Do you have liability insurance?
What happens if our DJ has an emergency and can't make it to our event?