What can I expect for a wedding ceremony?

When performing for a wedding ceremony, Laura arrives one hour early to unload and begins prelude music 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Couples choose processional and recessional pieces from her repertoire, up to 2 song requests not in her repertoire are included in the rate, and she can play during special moments such as a unity candle or private prayer. After the ceremony she plays another 10-15 minutes while guests disperse.

What can I expect for a wedding reception?

Wedding receptions typically last one to two hours. Depending on the venue and guest count, Laura brings her own amplification. The reception is a great time for song requests that are special to the couple and that will help create the desired mood for their guests.

What does the harpist need?

When you inquire, it helps to share date, time, and location; the package you are interested in; indoor or outdoor; and any songs you would like to request.

Do you take song requests?

Yes! Laura loves creating a custom experience for events and song requests are an important part of that process. Share those songs when you first get in touch. If a piece is not already in the repertoire, she needs time to find the sheet music and learn it. (Some requests may carry an extra fee.)

What special considerations are needed for the harp?

The harp is temperature sensitive. Laura can play outdoors between 55 degrees and 90 degrees F. Outdoor events require a flat, dry, well-shaded area. If it is cold or rain is possible, the harp needs to be indoors. For indoor events, the harp must be kept away from open doors, windows, and direct heat. A 5 ft by 5 ft area out of traffic is required for the harp, harpist, and music stand.

What music is in your repertoire?

Laura has over three hours of prepared music for classical, romantic, Disney, Latin, soft rock, and more. See the Music page for recorded samples.

Do you play weddings in Utah County?

Yes. Laura Neil is based in Utah County and regularly plays weddings and events throughout Utah County, the Salt Lake Valley, Provo and Orem, and Park City (quoted custom).

How much does a wedding ceremony harpist cost in Utah?

A ceremony package starts at $650 and includes prelude through postlude, amplification, setup, and a music consultation. Gold, Platinum, and Diamond wedding-day packages start at $850, $1,000, and $1,400. Custom/destination wedding day packages are available. See the Rates page for details.

Any other details I need to know?

When you are ready to book, Laura sends you a signed copy of her contract to review, sign and return with a non-refundable retainer. This will hold your date and Laura begins preparing for your event. The remainder is due at least 24 hours before the event.

Guide

Hiring a wedding harpist in Utah

What to ask, what a ceremony actually includes, and how Laura Neil books live pedal harp for Utah County, the Salt Lake Valley, Provo, Orem, and Park City.

Laura Neil playing pedal harp at a Utah wedding ceremony

I play live pedal harp for Utah weddings and events, based in Utah County. Couples usually write when they want the walk down the aisle to feel like a real room of music—not a Bluetooth speaker behind a hedge.

If you are comparing harpists, start with three things: whether they play a concert grand pedal harp (the full instrument, not a small lever harp), whether they will be there early enough to set up without rushing your coordinator, and whether they already know the ceremony pieces you have in mind.

What I bring to a Utah ceremony

A ceremony package starts at $650 and covers prelude through postlude, amplification, setup, and a music consultation. I arrive an hour early, begin prelude about thirty minutes before you walk, play the processional and recessional you chose, and stay another ten to fifteen minutes while guests move. Up to two song requests that are not already in my repertoire are included when I have notice.

Where I play

I regularly play Utah County, the Salt Lake Valley, Provo, and Orem. Travel within 20 miles of Utah County is included. Farther bookings add a travel charge. Park City luxury weddings are quoted custom.

How to book

Send the date, venue, indoor or outdoor, and the package you have in mind. I send a contract and a 50% deposit holds the date. The remainder is due at least 24 hours before the event. There is no online checkout on this site—I would rather talk through the music with you first.

If you want to hear the instrument before you decide, there are recordings on the Music page, including Canon in D and other ceremony pieces I play often.