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Recommended by 100% of couples

About this supplier

On Hitched.co.uk since 2026

Last update: October 2026

There are moments in a wedding that you remember forever. The moment you walk down the aisle is one of them.

The Gentleman Violinist creates those moments through live music chosen especially for you.

I'm James, a professional violinist with more than 30 years' experience performing and recording around the world. My career has taken me from concert halls and recording studios to film and television sessions, and has included recording Perfect with Ed Sheeran at Abbey Road and touring with Sting.

Today, I specialise in wedding ceremonies, creating a personal soundtrack for one of the most important moments of your day.

The Ceremony

Live violin as your guests arrive, followed by the music that matters most during your ceremony — your entrance, signing of the register and your first walk back up the aisle together.

I'll work with you to choose music that feels completely personal to you, from classical and romantic favourites to pop, folk, jazz and contemporary music.

Ceremony Plus

Everything from The Ceremony, with live violin continuing afterwards.

Add music for your drinks reception, wedding breakfast, or both, and create an atmosphere that carries from the ceremony into the celebrations.

The Cinematic Wedding

For couples who love the movies, fantasy and animation.

Imagine walking down the aisle to Merry-Go-Round of Life from Howl's Moving Castle, signing the register to Concerning Hobbits, or leaving together to music from Harry Potter.

From the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli and Middle-earth to Tim Burton, Disney and some of cinema's greatest scores, I'll help you create your own wedding soundtrack.

Your favourite stories. Your favourite music. Your wedding soundtrack.

Best James

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Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

Ceremony music
Cocktail/banquet music
Entertainment

What is included in the wedding package?

Either curated or bespoke musical selections

How far in advance should I contact you?

I recommend getting in touch as soon as you've confirmed your wedding date and venue. Popular dates can book well in advance, but it's always worth enquiring about last-minute availability

What style of music do you offer?

Classical
Lounge
Jazz
Rock
String quartet
Spanish
Latest hits
Pop
Folk

Type of musical group:

Duet
Trio
Quartet
Solo
Soloist

Size of group:

Soloist
Small (2 - 3 musicians)

Repertoire:

Bespoke song requests welcome to create your perfect soundtrack

Is it possible to request something that's not in the repertoire?

Absolutely. I can play whatever you desire

What's your experience?

With over 30 years' professional experience, James has performed internationally, recorded with Ed Sheeran at Abbey Road Studios and specialises in elegant live music for weddings and events

Do you have your own equipment?

Yes

Do you need specific materials or conditions to offer your service?

No

Can you travel?

Yes, uK. International

Is there a charge for travelling?

Yes, under 100 miles included. Over 100 miles open to negotiation

Do you cover more than one wedding a day?

No

Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?

Alone

What is the length of time of the act?

From 30 minutes to all day

How much time do you need to prepare for an act?

A week

Do you do open-air acts?

Yes

Do you charge per hour or per event?

Per event

If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?

Yes

How do you charge extra time?

If you'd like music for longer, additional performance time can usually be added from £150 per hour, subject to availability and event timings

What are the forms of payment?

BACS. Cash. Credit card

Served in

Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire

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Reviews for The Gentleman Violinist

M
Megan Sent on 28/07/2026
5 out of 5 rating

M&M 25.07.2026

We had the most amazing experience with James from start to finish. After being let down by someone we had booked over a year before (Chris Heron), we were left with no musician for our wedding which was in a months time.

Thankfully, we found James! From the very start James was responsive, professional, kind, and adaptable. He learned every single song we wanted for our day, and he played them beautifully. We received so many compliments regarding James throughout the day and after our wedding.

We are so grateful that James was part of our day and could not recommend booking him enough. You will receive frequent communication and reassurance, and will have the most beautifully played music at your wedding.

Thank you James. Forever grateful, Meg and Matt.
Abbie
Abbie Sent on 15/10/2026
5 out of 5 rating

A lovely man & a wonderful musician

We had the absolute pleasure of having James as our violinist for our wedding, and he was nothing short of phenomenal. From the moment he arrived, smartly dressed and professional, we knew we were in good hands. He played beautifully for both our ceremony and cocktail hour, filling the day with the most incredible music.

One of the most unforgettable moments of our wedding was walking down the aisle to his stunning rendition of She’s the One. It was so moving and will always hold a special place in my heart. James’s talent and artistry created an atmosphere that was both elegant and joyous; our guests could not stop complimenting him throughout the day.

If you are looking for a musician who will add magic to your wedding, James is the one to book. He truly made our day
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Deals

Your events

29 Oct
Concert

Max Richter is the composer of music for dozens of feature films and documentaries. The European Film Academy voted him the best film composer in 2008. He reinterpreted Antonio Vivaldi's music in the spirit of minimalism and postmodernism. Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons is one of Richter’s most famous works. After its release in 2012, the recording topped the iTunes Classical Music charts in over 20 countries.

Date: From 29/10/2026 to 29/10/2026 Schedule 19:30 - 20:30
Place: St Nicholas Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1PF, Newcastle, Northumberland
30 Oct
Concert

The music of Tim Burton.

At the heart of it all is the music of Danny Elfman, Burton’s lifelong collaborator and one of the most distinctive film composers of our time. Elfman’s music blends playfulness with menace, tenderness with grandeur — a perfect mirror of Burton’s visual imagination. Alongside Elfman, highlights include unforgettable moments from Corpse Bride, the cult favourite Beetlejuice, the gothic sweep of Batman, and the razor-sharp drama of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Date: From 30/10/2026 to 30/10/2026 Schedule 18:00 - 19:00
Place: St Margarets Church, Walmgate, YO1 9TL, York, North Yorkshire

Meet the team

James Dickenson
James Dickenson
Owner

Hello, I'm James Dickenson.

For more than 30 years, music has taken me around the world, from concert halls and recording studios to some of life's most important celebrations. Today, as The Gentleman Violinist, I bring that experience to weddings, corporate events and private occasions across Yorkshire and throughout the UK.

My journey began with a love of the violin that developed into a professional career spanning orchestral performance, chamber music, recording sessions and solo appearances. Over the years I have performed throughout the UK, Europe and the United States, led internationally acclaimed chamber ensembles and appeared at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and the Library of Congress.

Along the way I've had the privilege of recording with Ed Sheeran at Abbey Road Studios, performing for film and television projects, and working alongside some of the finest musicians in the industry.

Yet despite all those experiences, I have come to realise that some of the most rewarding performances are not necessarily the biggest. There is something uniquely special about helping a couple create the perfect atmosphere for their wedding day, seeing guests smile as a favourite song begins, or providing the soundtrack to a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.


Every wedding is different.

Some couples dream of a traditional ceremony with classical favourites. Others imagine walking down the aisle to a contemporary love song, a film theme or a piece that means something deeply personal to them.

My role is to help bring that vision to life.

From your first enquiry through to the final note on the day itself, I aim to make the process relaxed, straightforward and enjoyable. Whether you know exactly what music you'd like or would welcome guidance and suggestions, I'll work with you to create a soundtrack that reflects your story.

Michael Dickenson
Michael Dickenson
Social Media Guru

hi, I am Michael and I am in charge of our social media accounts. Tik Tok and Instagram. I am at school currently.

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1 Saw Wells LS24 9UE Leeds (West Yorkshire)

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