Weddings

Wedding Ceremony Music

Austin works with couples throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond to create beautiful and meaningful wedding ceremony soundtracks to match their unique visions.

His philosophy is based on one concept: that your wedding ceremony should be the single most special moment of your life, and therefore, the music should be selected thoughtfully and carefully.

For each section below, options are available to create playlists based on style preferences, choose individual selections from his vast song list, or make special requests to be learned on demand.

Whichever method(s) you choose, Austin will ensure that the songs flow seamlessly to set the perfect pace for your special day.

Click to watch: Largo in D Major (Vivaldi)

Ceremony music service includes:

Prelude/Pre-service

Twenty to Thirty minutes of welcoming music as guests arrive to the ceremony area.

Processional

One to three selected songs for the procession of the wedding party, families and other special guests including ring bearer, flower girl, etc.

Bride/Groom Entrance & Procession

One very special song for the entrance and procession of the bride, groom or other designation.

Recessional

One song immediately following the official pronouncement of marriage. Typically, an upbeat celebratory song is played, and it is common to use a familiar recorded track for this section.

Interlude

A special song may be chosen for a designated section or transition during the ceremony

Postlude

Two to four celebratory songs following the recessional, played as guests exit the ceremony area.

Microphones

Professional grade Shure wireless microphones can be provided and operated for the speaking aspects of the ceremony, including officiant, vows and readings. Using dual wireless technology, multiple mics can be used simultaneously with perfect clarity so your guests hear every word.

 

Photo credit @elysamariaphoto | elysamaria.com

Perfectly paced to the second…

Click the play button to check out the full version of this widely popular bride’s choice, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

This is the full version of the song which works for any part of the ceremony, cocktail hour or reception.

When used during the processional or recessional, Austin can extend or shorten any selection in order to perfectly match the pace of the walk down the aisle.

Cocktail Hour Music

Immediately following your ceremony, it’s time to greet your guests, crack open some drinks and enjoy delicious appetizers.

The perfect addition to this part of your special day is, of course, more music!

Typically, more upbeat selections such as pop and Brazilian are played, but this section can consist of virtually any style.

A mixture of traditional classical, jazz standards, pop and classic rock arrangements makes for a fun and memorable cocktail hour, all of which can be played with finesse on a single classical guitar.

Cocktail hours come in all shapes and sizes, and Austin’s setups can accommodate large, small, indoor, outdoor, and everything in between!

Click to watch: So Nice "Summer Samba" (Jobim)

Micro-Wedding & Dinner Reception Entertainment

As micro-weddings are becoming more and more popular, Austin Charnis Guitar can be your one stop shop for every musical aspect of your intimate event. In addition to live guitar for the ceremony and cocktail hour, he can work with you to carefully craft unique playlists of your favorite songs for the reception, or mix up both live and recorded elements however you’d like. Austin can also provide the music and MC services for introductions and special moments including entrances, dances, cake-cutting, and more. Packages for micro-weddings may also include wireless microphone setup and operation.

Photo credit @maksimakelinmedia | maksimakelinphotography.com
Click to watch: Can You Feel The Love Tonight? (Elton John)

Pre and Post-Wedding Services

Austin is also available for engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, showers, brunches and welcome receptions. Set the mood right from the start or send your guests off in style with elegant live music that will be remembered forever. Microphones and hosting services also available.

Austin is such a talented musician, and his acoustic guitar added the perfect romantic, personal touch we were looking for for our wedding ceremony! He has a large repertoire of classical and modern songs to choose from, and was so kind and helpful throughout the planning process. He also was very flexible on our wedding day when the weather caused some logistical changes. We highly recommend him to add that special something to your wedding or event!

Kristy & Tony

Milton, NY

Austin was so easy to work with. I had gotten so many compliments. He played during my ceremony and cocktail hour which added such a nice touch. He communicated well. He had a great variety of music. And we booked him on short notice but he was so accommodating. 10/10

Antonia & Christopher

Rye, NY

Austin was incredible right from the start. He is extremely responsive which made for stress free weeks leading up to the event. We had him play our cocktail hour, where we received so many compliments for how well he played, his music selection, etc. We even had guests in he middle of the wedding ask for his contact information so they could potentially use him for other events. I cannot recommend him enough!

Cassidy & Randy

Poughkeepsie, NY

Austin was an incredible part of our wedding! We hired him to do the ceremony music and I’m so glad that we did. The guests loved it during the before the ceremony and he was so easy to work with when we had a few special request songs not in his repertoire. We had a vision of having my sibling sing one of our favorite songs as I walked down the aisle and Austin worked with them, learning the song, scheduling some practice time and made it happen seamlessly for what was a really incredible moment. I am so happy that we had him as a part of our wedding and would highly recommend him.

Leah & Ernest

Garrison, NY

We hired Austin last minute and we don’t regret it for a second! My husband and I went back and forth about wanting live music during our wedding, so we settled for cocktail hour, just TWO weeks before our wedding. Austin was awesome! So professional and a great guitar player! If you are looking for a guitar player look no further!!!

Linsday & John

Stamford, CT

Austin is who you want if you are looking for beautiful music at your event. Austin was a pleasure to have at our wedding; he played everything we had wanted and did it perfectly. I am a musician myself and I can tell you there was not one wrong note played that day. His equipment is top tier, his skills are unrivaled but most of all, he is an amazing human being. Austin is on time, easy to correspond with, knows how to read the event regarding when and what to play, and he will not disappoint. Would 10/10 get married again just to have Austin there.

Justin & Alex

Middletown, NY

Besides being musically talented, Austin brings an air of professionalism and kindness to his business. Months prior to our wedding Austin was meticulous in helping us choose the perfect music for our cocktail hour and wedding ceremony. It was overwhelming for us to decide on the music choices, but Austin worked with us (and had an extensive list which helped tremendously) to make our day feel truly special. On the day of the wedding, we received throngs of compliments on how beautiful the classical guitar arrangement was, and the passion that resonated from Austin’s skill. With Austin you don’t just get a very talented musician, you get a very sweet and kind person who is intent on giving your wedding the much-needed attention it deserves.

Kya & Evan

Brooklyn, NY

Austin is the consummate professional and also a stunningly talented musician. He played classical guitar for my art gallery show opening – and it really took the entire experience for all attendees to the next level. I cannot say enough good things about him! He’s a great musician and a pleasure to work with.

Gabriella

Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Austin played classical guitar during the cocktail hour at my son’s Bar Mitzvah. He was FANTASTIC! His music was beautiful – it was such a complement to our celebration. I would highly recommend him!

Barbara

Katonah, NY

Met Austin online, and what you see is what you get. Great communication from start to finish. As a fellow musician, I was able to communicate in a familiar language, but even if I had not been, Austin was clear on our music choices and came in prepared to keep the evening warm with beautifully covered songs, improvised like a true professional. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music which complimented the space and enhanced our special evening. I would highly recommend Austin Charnis for intimate weddings and similar occasions!

Alan & Katharyn

Ossining, NY

We hired Austin to perform at our intimate wedding on the Lyndhurst Estate earlier this month. In addition to being an extraordinary guitarist with a fantastic repertoire, Austin was such a pleasure to work with and a delightful person. From beginning to end, he was extremely responsive and accommodating (even when we changed up the music selections just a few days before!) He played beautifully throughout the evening and made each moment special for us. We highly recommend Austin for any event!

Alyson & Garret

Tarrytown, NY

I highly recommend booking Austin for your event!! My husband and I were honored to have Austin play at our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. Before the wedding he took time to review song choices for the ceremony with us and ensure that we were happy with the overall flow of the music. At our request he played a combination of contemporary music and classical Brazilian guitar. The ceremony music was absolutely wonderful, it was romantic (Band of Horses and Chet Atkins) and gave it a very personal feeling. For the cocktail hour he played a lively combination of Brazilian and contemporary stylings that kept the mood light. Multiple guests approached us afterwards to compliment his playing and the atmosphere it added to the venue. He is a consummate professional and he made our day that much more special!

Jessica and Ben

Highland Park, NJ

Let’s plan your perfect wedding soundtrack today!