Meet Ellie Elston: Creating Unforgettable Wedding Moments Through Live Music
Ellie turns the soundtrack of your wedding into part of the story
The room settles.
Guests turn towards the aisle. The first note begins, not from a playlist pressed into service, but from a live voice filling the space.
Suddenly, the song you have heard a hundred times feels different. It belongs to this room, this moment and the person walking towards you.
That is the particular magic of live wedding music.
The finest weddings are remembered not only for how they looked, but for how they made everyone feel.
From the groom’s first step into the ceremony to the couple’s walk back down the aisle, music has the power to transform an important moment into a lasting memory. For couples looking for a talented and engaging live performer, Ellie Elston offers a beautifully personal soundtrack to their celebration.
If you are searching for a wedding singer in Surrey or London who can perform throughout the different chapters of your celebration, meet Ellie Elston. A professionally trained vocalist, Ellie performs at weddings, private functions, corporate events, restaurants and personalised celebrations across the UK and internationally.
This Friends of HIRE5 feature introduces Ellie, explores her wedding music packages and answers the practical questions couples should ask before booking a live singer.
What does a wedding singer add to the day?
A wedding singer does more than perform a selection of songs.
Live music helps establish the mood of the celebration. It can make a ceremony feel more intimate, prevent the drinks reception from losing momentum and gently move guests from the formal part of the wedding into the evening party.
The performance also responds to the room. A professional singer can adjust the energy, pacing and style of the music according to what guests are doing—something a fixed playlist cannot always achieve.
Couples often choose a live wedding singer when:
- They want a meaningful song performed during the ceremony.
- They want to make the entrance and aisle walk feel more personal.
- They would like relaxed entertainment during photographs and drinks.
- They want to create atmosphere during the wedding breakfast.
- They need someone to energise arriving evening guests.
- They want their first dance performed live.
- They would like the music to feel connected to their personalities.
The point is not to replace every playlist or DJ. It is to give the most important parts of the day a human voice.
Live singer, DJ or playlist—which should you choose?
Each option creates a different atmosphere, and many couples successfully combine all three.
| Option | What it offers | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Live wedding singer | A personal performance that can respond to the room | Ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts and first dances |
| DJ | Continuous music, requests and strong evening-party energy | Evening receptions and dancing |
| Curated playlist | Complete control over the song list at a relatively low cost | Background music and transitions between events |
| Live singer and DJ | Live performance followed by uninterrupted party music | Couples wanting both atmosphere and a full evening celebration |
Ellie’s Gold Package, for example, includes an upbeat live set as evening guests arrive before the DJ takes over. It is a sensible handover: live music welcomes the room, and the DJ carries the celebration into the night.
Meet Ellie Elston: wedding and event singer
Ellie describes herself as a singer with a lifelong passion for performing and creating unforgettable moments for couples and their guests.
She trained at Bird College, gaining a degree in Musical Theatre and Professional Dance. After graduating in 2021, she worked as a lead vocalist on contracts in France and Spain and has also toured and performed at venues around the UK.
That background matters. Singing at a wedding requires more than having a good voice. The performer must understand timing, audience connection, sound, pacing and how to remain composed while a live event unfolds around them.
Ellie is based in the London and Surrey area but is available to travel throughout the UK and internationally.
Ellie’s musical style and repertoire
Ellie’s repertoire extends from elegant, soulful ballads to upbeat party classics.
Examples available through the listening section of her website include:
- At Last by Etta James
- Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
- I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
This gives couples room to create different moods across the wedding day. Romantic songs can accompany the ceremony, soulful favourites can create warmth during dinner, and energetic classics can prepare guests for the dance floor.
Ellie also welcomes specific song requests, provided she has enough time to learn and prepare them.
That can be particularly meaningful for an aisle entrance, register signing, first dance or a song connected to the couple’s story.
Wedding ceremonies: giving the important moments a live voice
The ceremony is where live singing often has its greatest emotional impact.
Ellie’s ceremony offering can include:
- A live set while guests are being seated
- The couple’s chosen aisle song
- Two or three songs during the signing of the register
- A chosen exit song as the newlyweds leave together
There is a natural arc to this arrangement. The arrival music settles the room, the aisle song marks the beginning, the signing music prevents a quiet administrative pause, and the exit song turns the end of the ceremony into a celebration.
Couples should discuss timings with their venue, registrar or celebrant so that the musical cues work smoothly. It is also worth introducing the singer to the wedding coordinator or ceremony leader before the day.
Drinks-reception music: avoiding the post-ceremony lull
The drinks reception is often longer than couples expect.
While photographs are being taken, guests are finding refreshments, greeting relatives and waiting for the next stage of the day to begin. Live music gives this part of the wedding its own identity rather than leaving it feeling like a gap in the schedule.
Ellie offers a 60-minute drinks-reception performance designed to accompany champagne, canapés, conversation and photographs.
The aim is not to demand everyone’s attention. It is to create an atmosphere guests can enjoy while still talking comfortably.
Wedding-breakfast entertainment
Music during the wedding breakfast needs careful judgement.
Too loud and guests cannot speak. Too quiet and it disappears beneath the room. The right performer understands that the music should enrich the meal rather than compete with it.
Ellie’s wedding-breakfast option includes two 45-minute sets featuring elegant and soulful songs. This can work particularly well in the time before speeches, when the room benefits from gentle entertainment and a sense of continuity.
First-dance and evening-arrival performances
For couples who want their first dance to feel especially personal, Ellie’s Gold Package includes a live performance of their chosen first-dance song.
It also includes an upbeat 30-minute set as evening guests arrive, before the DJ begins.
This solves a surprisingly common wedding problem: evening guests entering a room that has not quite found its energy. A live singer provides a focal point and encourages the daytime and evening parts of the celebration to come together naturally.
Ellie Elston’s wedding packages
Ellie currently offers three principal wedding packages, alongside individual options.
| Package | Included |
|---|---|
| Bronze | Ceremony and a 60-minute drinks-reception set |
| Silver | Ceremony, drinks reception and two 45-minute wedding-breakfast sets |
| Gold | Ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast, live first-dance song and a 30-minute evening-arrival set |
Individual performances are also available.
At the time of writing, the starting prices listed on Ellie’s website are:
- Ceremony: from £350
- Drinks reception: from £300
- Evening guest arrival: from £350
- Wedding breakfast: from £400
Final prices may vary according to the date, location, timings, travel and individual requirements. Couples should contact Ellie directly for an accurate quotation.
Beyond weddings: private parties, corporate events and celebrations
Ellie’s performances are not limited to weddings.
She is available for:
- Corporate events
- Private parties
- Birthday celebrations
- Hen parties
- Baby showers
- Bars and restaurants
- Other personalised occasions
The music and performance style can be adapted to complement the ambience and theme of the event.
When Ellie is likely to be a strong fit
Based on Ellie’s published services and performance style, she could be a strong choice if:
- You want live music across several parts of your wedding.
- You enjoy a mixture of soulful ballads and upbeat classics.
- You would like your aisle entrance or first dance performed live.
- You want the freedom to request personally meaningful songs.
- You need a singer who can travel within the UK or internationally.
- You prefer a professional performer with musical-theatre and live-vocal experience.
- You want a singer who provides her own sound equipment.
Another option may suit you better if your priority is uninterrupted dance music for the entire evening or a repertoire focused on one highly specialised musical genre.
The important thing is to listen to a performer before booking and consider how their voice, repertoire and personality fit the atmosphere you want to create.
Sound equipment, venue requirements and practical planning
Ellie provides her own PAT-tested sound equipment and holds public liability cover. She can adapt the setup to the venue and performance, or work with a venue’s existing sound system when appropriate.
Before booking any wedding singer, ask the venue:
- Where can the singer set up?
- Is there access to a suitable power supply?
- Are there sound-level restrictions?
- What time can the performer arrive?
- Is live music permitted outside?
- Is there a wet-weather alternative for an outdoor performance?
- Can the venue’s sound equipment be used?
- Does the venue require proof of PAT testing and public liability cover?
- Where can the singer safely leave equipment between performances?
- Is food or a supplier meal required for a longer booking?
These details are not the romantic part of wedding planning, but handling them early allows the romantic part to happen without interruption.
A practical checklist before booking a wedding singer
Before confirming your singer, it is worth discussing:
-
The exact date and venue
Availability and travel costs will depend on both. -
The parts of the wedding requiring live music
Decide whether you want the ceremony, drinks reception, meal, first dance, evening arrival or a combination. -
Your essential songs
Ask whether the performer already knows them or will need time to prepare. -
Songs you do not want played
A “do-not-play” list can be just as helpful as a request list. -
Performance and break timings
Confirm the length of every live set and what music will play between them. -
Sound and space requirements
Make sure the venue can accommodate the equipment and performance area. -
The backup plan
Outdoor music always needs an indoor or covered alternative. -
The booking and payment terms
Check the deposit, final balance date, travel fees and cancellation arrangements. -
Coordination on the wedding day
Give the performer the contact details of the wedding coordinator, planner, celebrant or responsible member of the wedding party. -
The final running order
Confirm timings again shortly before the wedding, as schedules often change during the planning process.
The booking process
Ellie asks for a £100 deposit to secure the date. This amount is deducted from the total booking fee and is payable when the agreement is signed.
The remaining balance must be paid at least two weeks before the event. Booking information and documentation are provided by email.
Ellie recommends booking suppliers as early as possible to avoid disappointment. However, she may also be able to accommodate last-minute enquiries when the requested date remains available.
Where to learn more about Ellie Elston
Couples can listen to Ellie’s performances, review her wedding packages and submit an enquiry through her official website.
Website: ellieelston.co.uk
Wedding packages: View Ellie’s wedding packages
Listen: Hear Ellie perform
Instagram: @ellieelston.sings
Email: ellieelston.music@gmail.com
All links: Ellie Elston Sings Linktree
FAQs about booking Ellie Elston
Q: Where is Ellie based?
A: Ellie is based in the London and Surrey area.
Q: How far will Ellie travel?
A: Ellie is available to perform throughout the UK and internationally. A travel fee may be added depending on the location.
Q: What types of events does Ellie perform at?
A: Ellie performs at weddings, corporate events, private parties, birthdays, hen parties, baby showers, bars, restaurants and other special occasions.
Q: Can we request a specific aisle song?
A: Yes. Ellie welcomes song requests, provided she is given enough time to learn and prepare the music.
Q: Can Ellie sing during the signing of the register?
A: Yes. Her ceremony package includes two or three songs for the register signing.
Q: Can Ellie perform our first-dance song live?
A: Yes. A live first-dance performance is included within her Gold Package. Couples should discuss their chosen song with Ellie before booking.
Q: Can we book Ellie for only one part of the wedding?
A: Yes. Individual options are available for the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening guest arrival.
Q: Does Ellie provide her own sound equipment?
A: Yes. Ellie provides her own PAT-tested equipment and has public liability cover. She can also work with a venue’s existing equipment when suitable.
Q: How far in advance should we book?
A: Ellie recommends booking as early as possible because availability depends on the date. Last-minute enquiries are still welcome, and she will try to accommodate them where possible.
Q: How much is the booking deposit?
A: A £100 deposit is required to secure the date. It is deducted from the total fee.
Q: When is the remaining balance due?
A: The outstanding balance is due at least two weeks before the event.
Q: Are travel costs included?
A: Travel fees may be added depending on where the event takes place. Couples should request a complete quotation for their venue.
Q: Can Ellie perform outside?
A: This should be discussed with Ellie and the venue. Outdoor performances require suitable access to power, protection for sound equipment and a reliable wet-weather alternative.
Q: Can we hear Ellie sing before enquiring?
A: Yes. Recordings and live-performance examples can be found in the listening section of her website and through her social-media profiles.
Complete the celebration with HIRE5 Menswear
Music creates the emotional atmosphere of a wedding. The right tailoring helps create its visual identity.
At HIRE5 Menswear, we help grooms and wedding parties find suits that complement their venue, season, colour palette and individual style. Our services include wedding suits to hire or purchase, formalwear, accessories and personally guided fittings.
Whether you are planning an elegant city ceremony, a relaxed Surrey barn wedding, a black-tie reception or a destination celebration, our team can coordinate the groom’s look across the complete wedding party.
Visit HIRE5 Menswear Guildford at 1a Phoenix Court, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3EG, or call 01483 808600 to arrange a wedding consultation.
When the suit fits the setting and the music fits the moment, the wedding begins to feel entirely your own.