How much does a wedding bartender cost? Rates & pricing for 2025

In the midst of planning your wedding? You might think you’ve nailed the bar budget…but brace yourself. Most couples underestimate bartender costs, which can turn a smooth celebration into a last-minute scramble.

I learned this the hard way. After calling a dozen bartenders, I got quotes that varied by over £2,000 for nearly identical services. The culprit? Hidden fees and surprise add-ons no one warns you about.

In this article, we’ll break down the real costs behind wedding bartending services, so you can skip the panic and plan your bar like a pro.

3 factors that impact your wedding bartender cost

Before you clink glasses, it’s good to understand what goes into your wedding bartender cost. It’s a mix of location, guest count, and sneaky little extras that shape your final tab. Know the recipe, so your budget won’t end up with a bitter aftertaste!

1. Wedding location is key

Where you tie the knot plays a huge role in the final bill you pay. Big-city weddings usually come with big-city prices. A bartender in London might charge 30–40% more than someone in a small town — it’s basically a “cocktail tax” for that city buzz.

Even within the same city, rates can swing. In central London, bartenders might charge £45–£75/hour, while those in less central suburban areas charge £20–£40/hour for standard gigs, with experienced pros at ~£50/hour. 

And if your bartender has to travel more than 25–30 miles? Expect travel fees — either a flat rate (£50–£100) or mileage (£0.50–£1 per mile). Planning a remote or destination wedding? They might need overnight accommodations too, adding £150–£300 per night.

Getting married on a mountaintop or secret beach? Expect a 10–25% premium for the extra logistics — like hauling gear uphill or dealing with limited power. Talk with your bartender early so there are no surprises later. 

2. Guest count makes a difference 

Your guest list isn’t just the life of the party—it’s also the biggest factor in your wedding bartender cost. The more guests you have, the more bartenders you’ll need, unless you’re okay with long lines and thirsty friends. 

The golden rule is to plan for at least one bartender per 50 guests—even if you’re only serving beer and wine. If you have an extensive menu or custom cocktails, add another bartender to the equation to keep service smooth and lines short.

For example, a 150-person wedding would typically require 3 or more bartenders, depending on your menu and drink complexity. At a rate of £240–£400 per bartender for an 8-hour day, staffing quickly becomes a key part of your budget.

Setup time grows with your guest count too. More guests mean more glasses, ice, garnishes, and maybe multiple bars. Expect 2 to 3 hours of prep for 150 guests versus 1 to 2 hours for a smaller gathering. 

To keep guests (and drinks) flowing, consider your bar setup options: 

• Multiple bar stations to speed up service
• Cocktail hour-only stations to serve your signature wedding drink
• Early pre-ceremony drinks to tide guests over until the main event

Talk with your bartenders about setup options so you aren’t surprised by additional set-up fees at the end! 

3. Hidden costs can hang out in the fine print 

Hiring a bartender for your UK wedding isn’t just about paying for someone to pour drinks—it also means covering the essentials that make it all legal, safe, and smooth going.

Here are the common costs that often hide in the fine print:

• Bartender certifications: Many professional bartenders hold qualifications like WSET or BIIAB, which show they’re trained in responsible alcohol service. While not always mandatory, venues may require certified staff—these credentials cost around £150–£200, which may be reflected in your quote.
  
  
• Personal alcohol licence: If you're charging for drinks, you’ll need a Personal License Holder on site. Expect to pay between £150 - £200 extra for this bartender or manager for the evening.
  
  
• Temporary Event Notice (TEN): If you’re hosting your wedding at an unlicensed venue, like a garden or dry-hire space, you may need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). It’s not always necessary, especially if you are providing drinks for free, but it’s always best to check with your local council well in advance (at least 2–3 months before your event). It costs £21.
  
  
• Insurance: Many venues require bartenders to carry public liability insurance, especially if they’re bringing equipment. Insurance can cost £100–£500/year, which is often baked into the rate but not always clearly itemised.
  
  

These fees may be bundled into your bartender or mobile bar quote, or passed on separately—either way, they affect your bottom line. Make sure to ask what’s included so you’re not surprised later.

Planning a wedding in London already comes with enough logistics. A licensed, insured bartender with the right credentials isn’t just ticking boxes—it’s one less thing for you to worry about on the day.

The total cost of hiring a wedding bartender 

Planning a wedding with a private bartender? Cheers to that! Just don’t let the costs catch you off guard. Here’s a quick look at what’s included in those private bartender rates that you might not be aware of overtime and seasonal surges

The dance floor’s still packed, Uncle Jerry’s doing the worm, and it’s well past last call. That’ll cost ya! Most bartenders charge 1.5x their hourly rate for overtime, so £40/hour becomes £60 once the after party starts, 

And if you’re planning a summer soirée? You’re not alone. Between May and October, bartender costs climb 10–25%, with holiday weekends adding up to 50% extra. That means your dreamy summer wedding might come with a spicy little surcharge.

Are you supposed to tip? 

Unlike in the US, tipping wedding bartenders in the UK isn’t expected—but it is appreciated. Most private bartenders or mobile bar services set fair rates upfront, but using a London Living Wage company to provide the bar team ensures they are paid fairly for the work they do

That said, if your bartender went above and beyond—staying late, helping with clean-up, or delivering an exceptional guest experience—a tip of £20–£50 per bartender is a generous gesture. Some couples also offer a 10% tip on the total bar cost if no service charge is included.

Bottom line: tipping is optional, not obligatory—but it’s a great way to show appreciation for outstanding service.

Choose bar service that suits your style (and budget)

Wedding bartenders in the UK come with a range of service options—some straightforward, others all-inclusive. Here’s what to expect:

• Hourly rate: Clear and flexible, this option typically ranges from £40–£75 per hour for standard service. Ideal if you're supplying your own drinks and just need someone to pour.
  
  
• All-inclusive packages: These start around £400–£900 for 4 hours, and usually include bar tools, mixers, garnishes, ice, and staff. You bring the alcohol (or ask them to source it for an extra fee).
  
  
• À la carte add-ons: Custom cocktails can add £100–£250, and hiring premium glassware or mobile bar setups can range from £100–£400+ depending on guest count and style.
  
  
• Pay per drink / hybrid models: Less common in the UK, but some mobile bars offer a per-drink rate (e.g. £4–£8 per cocktail), plus a lower base fee or minimum spend.

Each model suits a different couple. Want control over every detail? À la carte is your best friend. Prefer to hand over the reins and relax? All-inclusive is the way to go. Either way, know what’s included upfront to avoid surprise fees later.

Keep an eye out for extra fees 

Ah yes—the hidden costs. Like cheeky little gremlins in the fine print. Here’s what fees to ask about when booking a wedding bartender in the UK:

• Travel fees: Many bartenders include travel within central London, but venues further out may incur a flat fee of £30–£100, or a £0.50–£1.00 per mile charge for long distances.
  
  
• Overnight stays: If your venue is in a remote countryside location and service runs late, expect to cover £150–£200 per night for accommodation plus incidentals and food expenses.
  
  
• Setup and breakdown: For full bar builds (think mobile bars or custom setups), you might see an additional £100–£250 fee for setup, breakdown, or early arrival.
  
  
• Insurance and licences: If your venue requires the bartender to hold public liability insurance, that’s usually covered by professionals—but not always itemised.
  
  

These extras can add up to 10–25% to your final bill—so always ask for a fully itemised quote before you book.

5 steps to hire a wedding bartender 

Whether you're craving dirty martinis or fizzy spritzes, a great wedding bartender is key to planning a successful wedding. Before you say ‘I do’, here’s your no-fuss guide to hiring the right wedding bartender without losing your mind.

1. Check with your venue 

Before you go hunting for the best mixologists in your area, check with your venue. Some places come with their own bar team or have rules about who’s allowed behind the bar.

If you’re hosting your celebration at home or outdoors, a mobile bar hire might be your best bet. Just keep in mind that mobile bartenders usually cost £40–£75 per hour, plus extras for things like setup, travel, and supplies.

2. Count your guests

Here’s the golden ratio: one bartender for every 50 guests (or every 75 guests if it’s just beer and wine service). So, if your wedding is hosting around 150 people, plan on hiring at least two bartenders. Three might be better if you’re doing full cocktails or expecting a lively crowd.

Too few bartenders and your guests will be spending more time in line than on the dance floor. Too many, and you’re paying for idle hands. Some services let you scale staff, with more hands during cocktail hour and fewer later at night.

3. Clarify insurance

Before sealing the deal, make sure your bartender is insured, especially for liability coverage. It protects you, your venue, and your guests if anything goes sideways. Make sure you check your region for specific requirements.

Here’s what to look for:

• Public Liability Insurance and Employers Liability Insurance (these are both a legal requirement for all businesses)
• Special policies like Professional Indemnity (to cover damage costs incurred by a supplier)
• Wedding specific policies that protect the couple from unexpected venue damage and associated costs during the event

If they don’t have it, don’t panic. You can usually add one-day event insurance yourself (for an extra fee of course.)

4. Ask a lot of questions

Once you’ve narrowed it down to your final picks, it’s time to dig into the details. A great bartender isn’t just about the drinks—they’ll help plan the flow of your whole party. Here’s what you really want to know: 

• What’s your hourly rate, and is there a minimum booking time?
• Are setup and cleanup included in your quote?
• Do you provide glassware, garnishes, mixers, or just the staff?
• Will you bring ice? (Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how often it’s overlooked!)
• Will you create a signature cocktail or themed menu?
• What’s your estimation for drink counts per guest?

And don’t forget to ask about tips. Is gratuity included? If not, what’s your suggested approach? Some clients prefer a more discreet option—like tipping at the end of the night—rather than having a visible jar on the bar

5. Estimate the booze count

You know your guests better than anyone, so you know which type of booze is likely to be a fan favourite. But when it comes to estimating quantities, here’s a helpful rule of thumb:

Plan for 2 drinks per guest per hour, especially early in the event. Things tend to slow down as the night goes on, so this gives you a buffer to make sure nothing runs out.

Wine during dinner is a separate calculation: assume 0.5 to 1 bottle per person, depending on your crowd. Just make sure that’s calculated in addition to your general drinks-per-hour estimate.

For a 5-hour reception with 100 guests, you’ll want to plan for around 1000 drinks. A typical breakdown might look like:

• 30–40% wine
  
  
• 30–40% beer
  
  
• 20–30% spirits and cocktails

If you’re supplying your own alcohol, check whether your bartender can help with a shopping list or drink calculator. Some even work with local suppliers who’ll take back unopened bottles—a simple way to save on overbuying.

What’s the cost of a mobile bartender?

Dreaming of an outdoor or garden wedding? Then a mobile bartender might be just the solution you’re looking for. These portable pros bring the party with them—mixing, muddling, and pouring wherever your venue may be (in a field, forest, or fairy-lit barn).

How much does a mobile bartender cost?

In the UK, hiring a mobile bar hire typically costs between £500 and £2,000, depending on how fancy you want to get. Are you after a simple setup or a full-on cocktail caravan with bells, whistles, and maybe even a neon flamingo? Here’s what typically included in a mobile bar hire:

• A stylish mobile bar setup
• Professional bartenders (with charm to spare)
• Glassware, mixers, ice, and garnishes galore
• Optional themes—gin palace, prosecco van, tiki hut? Yes, please

Types of mobile bar packages

Mobile bar services often come with different drink payment packages, such as:

• Cash bar: Guests pay as they go (great for budget-friendly bashes.)
• Host bar: You cover drinks up to a set amount, like buying the first few rounds.
• Open bar: A generous option where all drinks are on you (cheers to that!)

Whether you’re planning a whimsical woodland wedding or a garden party that Gatsby would envy, a mobile bartender adds a touch of class and a lot of fun to the celebration.

Wedding bartender costs don’t have to catch you by surprise

Hiring a bartender for your UK wedding shouldn’t feel like guesswork. With the right information upfront—about rates, packages, and hidden fees—you can plan with clarity, stay on budget, and still serve your guests killer cocktails.

From the first toast to the final dance, smart planning means one less thing to stress over—and a bar experience your guests will rave about. Cheers to that.