Wedding Services - Alyson McDowell Professional Pianist

I can provide music throughout your special day – for your wedding ceremony, your drinks reception and your evening meal. Or for whichever parts you choose. Everyone’s plans are different, so I’ve made things simple.

All my services are individually priced so you can decide what suits you. Details available on request, so just send me your booking details to receive a quotation for your event.

Wedding ceremony music

Enjoy listening to your favourite songs on your special day! Choose your own music for the Processional, the Signing of the Register and the Recessional. You can also include additional instrumentals or hymns for religious ceremonies. As part of my service, I also provide music before the ceremony to create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests’ arrival.

Drinks reception music

Live music creates a wonderful atmosphere for special occasions, so why not treat your guests to an afternoon of classic love songs on piano? For your drinks reception, I would propose playing a selection of easy-listening songs and romantic ballads so your guests can relax and enjoy listening to the music whilst the happy couple celebrate their big day with a few photos!

Wedding consultations

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your wedding music in more detail with you. Should you wish to meet with me, I’d be happy to arrange a suitable time with you. Alternatively, we can discuss things over the phone or via email if this is more convenient for you. Just whichever you prefer.

Accompaniment for vocalists

I can provide accompaniment for vocalists if needed and transpose songs to their preferred pitch. I can also provide recordings of their chosen songs in advance, should this be helpful for rehearsal purposes.

Special song arrangements

As part of my service, I can create special arrangements of your chosen songs, even those which are not available as piano sheet music. Please ask me if you’d like a unique version of your favourite song!

Wedding rehearsals

If you would like me to attend your wedding rehearsal, please let me know. This is not normally included in my fee, however I would be happy to discuss this further with you as there are other options available. For example, I can provide recordings of songs in advance which will allow you to rehearse timings etc for your Processional.

Personalised wedding CD

If you wish, I can also provide a personalised CD of your wedding ceremony music so you can enjoy listening to the soundtrack to your special day again and again! This is available on request for a small fee.

Advice on wedding music

If you’d like to know more about music for wedding ceremonies, or you have any specific song requests, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

If you’re interested in arranging a booking or if you’d like more information on my services, please contact me and I’ll be happy to discuss this further with you.

Read Reviews Booking Enquiry

Thank you so much for being part of our big day. I don’t remember much, it all went by in such a hurry, but I do remember standing outside the room and hearing our entrance song and walking down the aisle to it, something that will stay with me forever.

Kylie and StuartThe Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

We have had lots of messages and phone calls this morning to say that it was a great night. Your music was the finishing touch and just made it all perfect. We really appreciated the fact that you stayed until the very end of the night. We will certainly recommend you to other people and if we have a big celebration again, we will want you there.

Ray and BobbyBirthday Celebrations, Donaghadee

Thank you so much for the job you did at our wedding, you really were such a pleasure to work with! The music you played was beautiful and a lot of guests commented on what a lovely person you are (we agree)! We will definitely recommend you to anyone we know needing a piano player in the future.

Karina and EdwardLa Mon Hotel, Belfast

A quick email to give you a big thank you for your performance last Saturday at our wedding. It was a fantastic atmosphere you created and we spotted our favourite songs throughout the day! Everyone has been commenting on the live music since! Next time we need a pianist in Belfast (or Barcelona!) without doubt we will give you a call! Thanks again!

Nick and MariaTitanic Hotel, Belfast

Thank you so much for playing on our wedding day, we had lots of lovely comments from the guests saying how great the music was! We had an amazing day, though it seems like so long ago already! Wish we could do it all again!

Carly and TomLough Erne Resort, Enniskillen

Thank you so very much again for your wonderful playing at Katie’s and Andy’s wedding last Saturday. It was just a delight to listen to the lovely music played so beautifully by you. Both Kathleen and I together with Katie and Andy were just so pleased. Everyone commented most favourably. Thank you for playing “These Foolish Things” as well as everything else. We’ll have to remember you for future functions! Thank you again and it was so nice to meet you.

John and KathleenParents of the Bride, Larchfield Estate, Lisburn

Just wanted to send you a little message to say thank you for playing the piano for our wedding. We have had so many lovely messages, it created the perfect atmosphere! So lovely to finally meet you on Wednesday and thank you once again.

Laura and DanielThe Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

Thank you again for beautifully playing at our wedding. I will recommend you to my friends and family.

Jennifer and AndrewDunadry Hotel, Antrim

It was lovely to meet you today and even lovelier to sing with you! You are a fantastic pianist. Your pieces were flawless and it was a joy to work with you! Maybe we will have the chance to work together again in the future!

Deborah Bradley – SongbirdSoprano at Victoria and Karl's wedding, Ballylinney Presbyterian Church, Ballyclare

Just a quick note to say thank you for making my day so special. It was so beautiful to hear you play. Thanks again, I will be recommending you should the opportunity arise!

Sara and JackTemple of the Winds, Mount Stewart, Newtownards

We just wanted to tell you that we had an absolutely fabulous night at the party. You played beautifully and the song selection was perfect. You really helped to make the night very special and one that will not be forgotten in a long, long time. Thanks again.

Chris and MartyThe Georgian House, Comber

Cannot thank Alyson enough for making our wedding such a relaxing day. She was so helpful with suggesting songs that would blend in for the Signing. Very talented and would definitely recommend.

Lynsey and MichaelRosspark Hotel, Kells, Ballymena

Booked Alyson approximately 6 weeks before my wedding as my original pianist was unable to attend. I couldn’t be happier with my choice and feel that we got the best deal out of a stressful situation! Alyson quickly reassured us that she could play any piece we wanted and in fact arranged a Tchaikovsky waltz specifically for us as well as two more popular pieces. The music was commented on by guests who all agree that it was beautiful and having her play through the drinks reception made for a lovely atmosphere. I would definitely recommend Alyson.

Terri and IvanThe Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

Hired Alyson to play at my wedding ceremony and can’t thank her enough for the great job she did!!! I had a few unusual requests one of which sheet music is not available for but Alyson was still able to come up with a fantastic version of our chosen song. Anyone looking for music for their big day I would not hesitate to recommend Alyson!!!

Louise and RyanSt Mark's Parish Church, Belfast

Alyson played for our wedding on 25 April 2019. 5 stars is not enough, her talent and service is unbelievable.From first emails and meeting with Alyson she was so lovely and welcoming she couldn’t do enough for us. Do not hesitate in booking this incredible musician you will not regret it. Thank you Alyson so so much!

Rachel and PeteThe Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

Thank you Alyson for giving us the perfect music for a perfect day. I loved all of the music especially Shining Light! Thank you for all the effort you put in. We couldn’t have asked for more!!

Kirsty and StephenRiverdale Barn, Aghagallon

Alyson played at our wedding on 2 May 2019 and it was one of my favourite features of the day. Not only is Alyson a talented and creative pianist, she is so easy to work with, keeps you in the loop via email and she makes the music so personal. Our choice of music was pretty quirky but this wasn’t a problem for Alyson who spent time in advance arranging pieces of music to suit. Alyson, I really appreciate all the effort you put into making music such a special part of Jaime & I’s day so a massive thank you!!

Lauren and JaimeThe Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

Thank you so much for being here to play on this special day! So many tears have been shed listening to all the wonderful music you have prepared for us, no doubt even more will be shed today! The ceremony is the most important part of our day and having you play our favourite music means so much to us! Thanks again!

Catherine and FearghalSt Colman's Church, Dunmore, Ballynahinch

Thank you for playing for us! You have been so nice to us and I couldn’t wait to meet you! You are so talented! Thank you!

Joanne and ConnorTempleton Hotel, Templepatrick

Thank you so much for being a part of our wedding day. Everyone complimented the music during the service.

Rebecca and MarcDunadry Hotel, Antrim