How Much Does a DJ Cost Per Hour UK – 2025 Guide to DJ Hire, Wedding DJ Cost, and DJ Per Hour Rates

If you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday or private party in 2025, you might be asking yourself: how much does a dj cost? The answer depends on the type of dj, the type of event, and what’s included in the hire cost. This 2025 guide breaks down the dj rates you can expect, the extra cost factors that can impact the overall cost, and some tips to help you find a dj who’s right for your event.

Average Hourly Rates – DJ Cost, Hourly Rate, and DJ Price in 2025

When you hire a dj, the hourly rate varies based on experience:

• Beginners: £50–£80 per hour. These local djs or local dj options might charge less if you book a dj well in advance.
• Experienced DJs: £80–£150 per hour. These djs with a proven track record know how to work a crowd.
• Premium DJs: £150–£300 per hour. Celebrity djs or well-known djs are often a higher price choice, but a good dj at this level can make a big impact.

For high-profile events in London, djs in london and bigger name djs can charge a fixed rate for the evening, often £500 per gig or more.

What’s Included – DJ Set, DJ Hire, and What You Get for the DJ Price

Not every dj package is the same, so it’s important to know what’s included in the fee. Some djs usually include just the dj set — meaning only the dj performance time. Others will provide dj equipment, sound system, lighting or sound systems, and even a dj booth.

If the dj brings their own sound and lighting, you might pay a higher price, but you’ll have an equipped dj ready to go. If not, hiring separate sound system and lights will add to the cost to hire a dj.

Extra Fees – Travel Costs, Higher Price Factors, and DJ Hire Add-Ons

When calculating the cost in the uk to hire a dj, remember there may be extra cost items:

• Travel costs if the dj may need to travel far, especially outside city zones. Many djs charge travel costs or add a mileage fee.
• Parking in central London, which can add to the hire cost.
• Equipment upgrades like a bigger dj booth, extra lighting, or wireless microphones.

These can affect the cost of dj hire, so ask about them before booking.

Per Hour Rates by Event Type – Wedding DJ Prices, DJ for Your Event, and Per Set Costs

The dj cost to hire can change depending on the type of event:

• Weddings: £100–£200 per hour. The cost of a wedding dj is often higher because of the planning and special music requests.
• Corporate event: Around £120 per hour, with corporate event packages sometimes reaching £500 for the night.
• Private parties (birthday): £90–£150 per hour.

If you’re wondering much does a wedding dj actually cost for a whole evening, most wedding dj prices are quoted per set of 4–6 hours. This could mean £500–£1,200 depending on the dj package.

Hourly vs. Package Rates

Some djs charge per hour, while others charge a fixed rate for the night.

• Hourly: Best for one to two hours or first 1-2 hours of a smaller event.
• Packages: Better for longer bookings like sets up to 6 hours for a wedding reception or all-night party.

If you only need a dj for your event for 2 hour slots, an hourly rate can save money. But for weddings, a wedding dj cost package often includes the dj set, travel, and sound and lighting for better value.

Evaluating DJ Value – Good DJ Qualities, Type of DJ, and DJ Rates

A dj can make or break your party, so don’t just look at the dj price. Here are things to consider:

• Does the dj who doesn’t just play tracks, but actually engages the crowd?
• Do they have knowledge of different genres to suit your guests?
• Can they share track record proof, like past videos or mixes?

The right dj for your event will bring energy, keep people dancing, and work with you on a playlist. Even if they charge per hour at the higher price end, a good dj is worth it.

Booking Tips

When you book a dj, keep these in mind:

• Confirm if setup time is billed. Some djs may start charging from the moment they arrive and set up the sound system.
• Ask for a written breakdown of the cost of hiring so you know what’s included in the fee.
• Compare 2–3 dj hire quotes before booking. You may find a dj who offers a better hire cost package.

If you’re planning a wedding or need a dj for another type of event, get a bespoke quote today. The industry may charge more in busy months, so book well in advance.

Conclusion – How Much Does a DJ Cost and Choosing the Right DJ for Your Event

The dj cost in 2025 will typically cost between £50 and £200+ per hour, with celebrity djs and bigger name djs often at £500 per gig. For weddings, the wedding dj cost is usually £150–£200 per hour, or a dj package at around £500.

The cost of hiring depends on the type of dj, extras like sound and lighting, and any travel costs. Whether you need party djs, corporate event entertainment, or wedding djs, the right dj for your event can create the atmosphere you want.

A good dj doesn’t just play music — the dj can make or break the night. Book a dj with a proven track record and plan well in advance to get the best value.