“Christine is not only magical when she plays but is such a lovely lady! She learned a new song for us (a bit of a wild card) and it just sounded brilliant. Amazing and truly talented. Highly recommend.”

Letisha and Alex | Swancar Farm | 03/03/2022

FAQs

How loud is the harp?

Sound quality is very important to me and I use high end amplification and take care to get the harp at the right level. Ideally your guests should be able to hear a harpist clearly but easily hold a conversation and not feel deafened! 

Can you learn a special request?

Requesting a personal song to be arranged for harp is a fantastic and touching way to personalise your wedding day. I create my own harp version by ear making sure it’s recognisable, sounds beautiful on harp and suits the moment – i.e I can make it slower and more romantic to walk down the aisle. I can learn special requests as an optional extra (see pricing) and also send a recording before the day so you can preview it and listen back on it forever. 

Can you move the harp between rooms?

Yes! I can play in up to 3 different spots for the ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast. If there’s an unusually long distance or tricky route between spaces please let me know so that help moving can be arranged. 

Can you play outdoors?

In the right conditions I’m very happy to play outdoors and this is a really beautiful touch. My equipment is battery powered so I’m not tied down to power sockets. However the weather conditions need to be perfect to avoid damage to the harp or I may have to make the very difficult decision to refuse to play. 

The main thing is to have an indoor alternative and be content to use it if the weather isn’t quite right. If you have all your hopes pinned on an outdoor ceremony and are willing to take a chance on dubious weather then hiring a harpist for the ceremony might not be right for you. 

Do you require a meal?

On some occasions food would be really appreciated but it depends on the length of booking and amount of travel so please ask! Meals for suppliers are usually ready after your main course has been served so I would eat during my 15 minute break, ideally when the main course is being cleared.  A single course or light meal is plenty unless you want a podged harpist! 

Can my friend sing along to the harp?

Very confident, professional singers have done so in the past with great results but please be aware that the harp isn’t the easiest instrument to sing along to and can leave the singer feeling quite nervous and exposed. I would recommend booking a rehearsal with me before the day if this is something you’re considering.  

Can you accompany hymns?

Unfortunately the harp is not the right instrument for this. However I will happily play your backing tracks through my amp if needed.

Are there any hidden costs?

I charge for travel after 1 hour and accommodation after around 3 hours or more. Prices are also slightly higher for 2024 and 2025. In rare circumstances I might need to bring an assistant to help with unusually long distances to carry the harp or to help with setting up a larger PA system for events with more than 120 guests. When you get in touch I’ll give you an accurate price for your wedding day.

Is it the same price to book you for the ceremony as the ceremony and drinks reception?

Yes. Due to most weddings taking place around the same time in the afternoon I usually only perform at one wedding a day. I have to consider that I will likely be turning down a longer booking to take on a ceremony only booking. However I do offer ceremony only rates on off-peak dates.

Can I change my package after booking?

You can add more onto your booking at a later date if I’m available to do so. However I do not allow reductions in packages as I may turn down other longer bookings to make sure I’m not over-performing and damaging my body.

Are you available on my date?

Please see my availability calendar. 

Which package is best/most popular?

Many people choose the ceremony and drinks reception add on as it creates an atmosphere and keeps your guests entertained during the photographs. The wedding breakfast is usually best for the married couple themselves to get a chance to properly listen to the harp. 

The wedding venue is also an important factor as sometimes guests can spread out far and wide during the drinks reception not getting much benefit of the music. Meanwhile another venue might lack an ideal space for a harpist during the meal if maximum guests are invited. The acoustics also vary between venues. For example the high ceiling in the Oak Barn at Swancar Farm has incredible acoustics and makes the harp sound especially beautiful. Let me know if you’d like any advice for your chosen venue. Here’s a list of most of the venues I’ve played at before (but it keeps growing!)

Do you offer any off-peak discount?

As with wedding venues, there are certain days and times of the year when I’m less likely to be working. Please get in touch with your date and venue to find out if I can offer any off-peak discount for your date.

“Christine is not only magical when she plays but is such a lovely lady! She learned a new song for us (a bit of a wild card) and it just sounded brilliant. Amazing and truly talented. Highly recommend.”

Letisha and Alex | Swancar Farm | 03/03/2022

FAQs

How loud is the harp?

Sound quality is very important to me and I use high end amplification and take care to get the harp at the right level. Ideally your guests should be able to hear a harpist clearly but easily hold a conversation and not feel deafened! 

Can you learn a special request?

Requesting a personal song to be arranged for harp is a fantastic and touching way to personalise your wedding day. I create my own harp version by ear making sure it’s recognisable, sounds beautiful on harp and suits the moment – i.e I can make it slower and more romantic to walk down the aisle. I can learn special requests as an optional extra (see pricing) and also send a recording before the day so you can preview it and listen back on it forever. 

Can you move the harp between rooms?

Yes! I can play in up to 3 different spots for the ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast. If there’s an unusually long distance or tricky route between spaces please let me know so that help moving can be arranged. 

Can you play outdoors?

In the right conditions I’m very happy to play outdoors and this is a really beautiful touch. My equipment is battery powered so I’m not tied down to power sockets. However the weather conditions need to be perfect to avoid damage to the harp or I may have to make the very difficult decision to refuse to play. 

The main thing is to have an indoor alternative and be content to use it if the weather isn’t quite right. If you have all your hopes pinned on an outdoor ceremony and are willing to take a chance on dubious weather then hiring a harpist for the ceremony might not be right for you. 

Do you require a meal?

On some occasions food would be really appreciated but it depends on the length of booking and amount of travel so please ask! Meals for suppliers are usually ready after your main course has been served so I would eat during my 15 minute break, ideally when the main course is being cleared.  A single course or light meal is plenty unless you want a podged harpist! 

Can my friend sing along to the harp?

Very confident, professional singers have done so in the past with great results but please be aware that the harp isn’t the easiest instrument to sing along to and can leave the singer feeling quite nervous and exposed. I would recommend booking a rehearsal with me before the day if this is something you’re considering.  

Can you accompany hymns?

Unfortunately the harp is not the right instrument for this. However I will happily play your backing tracks through my amp if needed.

Are there any hidden costs?

I charge for travel after 1 hour and accommodation after around 3 hours or more. Prices are also slightly higher for 2026 and 2027. In rare circumstances I might need to bring an assistant to help with unusually long distances to carry the harp or to help with setting up a larger PA system for events with more than 120 guests. When you get in touch I’ll give you an accurate price for your wedding day.

Is it the same price to book you for the ceremony as the ceremony and drinks reception?

Yes. Due to most weddings taking place around the same time in the afternoon I usually only perform at one wedding a day. I have to consider that I will likely be turning down a longer booking to take on a ceremony only booking. However I do offer ceremony only rates on off-peak dates.

Can I change my package after booking?

You can add more onto your booking at a later date if I’m available to do so. However I do not allow reductions in packages as I may turn down other longer bookings to make sure I’m not over-performing and damaging my body.

Are you available on my date?

Please see my availability calendar. 

Which package is best/most popular?

Many people choose the ceremony and drinks reception add on as it creates an atmosphere and keeps your guests entertained during the photographs. The wedding breakfast is usually best for the married couple themselves to get a chance to properly listen to the harp. 

The wedding venue is also an important factor as sometimes guests can spread out far and wide during the drinks reception not getting much benefit of the music. Meanwhile another venue might lack an ideal space for a harpist during the meal if maximum guests are invited. The acoustics also vary between venues. For example the high ceiling in the Oak Barn at Swancar Farm has incredible acoustics and makes the harp sound especially beautiful. Let me know if you’d like any advice for your chosen venue. Here’s a list of most of the venues I’ve played at before (but it keeps growing!)

Do you offer any off-peak discount?

As with wedding venues, there are certain days and times of the year when I’m less likely to be working. Please get in touch with your date and venue to find out if I can offer any off-peak discount for your date.