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Weddings

About

Craig Ward Piping is a Pitlochry, Perthshire-based professional offering live music at weddings throughout Scotland. Craig is a full-time, professional bagpiper for hire with over 25 years of experience playing this wonderful, iconic instrument. He began learning the pipes at age 7, under the tutelage of several world-class pipers and with a passion for music and Celtic culture. Above all, Craig aims to bring a smile and joy for performing to each celebration of love. He's happy to travel throughout Scotland and beyond.

Services Offered

Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or an extravagant celebration, nothing adds a sense of occasion quite like the bagpipes. Craig Ward Piping offers bespoke packages that will be tailored to your exact needs. Craig can perform at various key moments throughout your day, including the following:

  • Arrival at the ceremony or reception venue
  • During the ceremony and while the wedding party exits
  • During the signing of the register
  • During the confetti shower
  • Throughout the drinks reception or dinner at the top table

While these are typical times that a piper will play, everything is always your choice, and Craig will work with you and tailor everything to you on your special day.

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Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

Ceremony music
Entertainment
Other

What is included in the wedding package?

All packages are tailored to the couple and typically can include playing for guests arrival, during ceremony for processional and recessional, during photos/drinks and piping to top table

How far in advance should I contact you?

As soon as you know you want a piper. Popular weekends can fill up quickly, and I take wedding bookings anything between a couple of weeks to 2 and a half years before the day

What style of music do you offer?

Other

Type of musical group:

Soloist

Size of group:

Soloist

Repertoire:

I play a vast range of pipe music, from very traditional, well known classics, to lesser known, more modern pipe tunes. I can also learn or adapt more modern music to the pipes if given enough time

Is it possible to request something that's not in the repertoire?

Absolutely! I love playing music that is personal to a couple. Not all music can be played on the bagpipes, but just ask and if I don't know it, I'll learn or adapt it for you (given enough time)

What's your experience?

Over 25 years playing bagpipes, I've travelled the world from Japan to New York, and competed to a high level in both solo and pipe band format, winning the world pipe band championships at just 14!

Do you have your own equipment?

Yes

Do you need specific materials or conditions to offer your service?

No

Can you travel?

Yes, all over Scotland, or farther if requested

Is there a charge for travelling?

Yes, whether there is a surcharge will depend on the distance I have to travel

Do you cover more than one wedding a day?

No

Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?

Alone

What is the length of time of the act?

I will be there for as long as is required for the couple's wishes. For a wedding, I can typically be on site for anything between 1 and a half and 6 hours, but this could be longer

How much time do you need to prepare for an act?

I need approx. 20 minutes to warm up, but I always arrive at least one hour before the guests begin to arrive

Do you do open-air acts?

Yes

Do you charge per hour or per event?

Per event

If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?

Yes

How do you charge extra time?

Prior agreement with the client. I'm very flexible, and will happily adjust timings prior to the wedding. If extra, unagreed time is needed on the day, I will charge £40 per extra hour as required

What are the forms of payment?

BACS transfer before the date of the wedding. A £50 deposit is required to secure the booking, and the balance is due no later than 14 days before the wedding
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Reviews for Craig Ward Piping

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to make your big decisions easier.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
3 reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of the service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value for money
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
Courtney
Courtney W. Sent on 24/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating

A fantastic piper for any occasion!

We were so happy that we booked Craig for our wedding! He was fantastic throughout the whole process. There was great communication and he was even willing to try to make my processional song work on pipes! Our guests were moved to tears seeing him play. No Scottish wedding is complete without a piper and we couldn’t recommend Craig enough! Thank you so much.
Michael
Michael O. Sent on 15/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Brilliant!

Craig did an amazing job on our wedding day and was a big hit with our guests. Communication in the lead up to the wedding was brilliant and he offered his expertise and opinion whilst making sure we got exactly what we were looking for. A really big part of our wedding day and so glad we had him playing - I'd highly recommend Craig.
L
Louise Sent on 06/01/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible!

Craig was the most incredible and professional supplier I had the pleasure of dealing with. He responded instantly to my initial query and kept us up to date right up until the morning of the wedding.
Unfortunately due to Edinburgh traffic I was slightly late for the ceremony and Craig continued to pipe until I arrived at the venue. He was absolutely amazing and all the guests were blown away (including me!!).
I’d recommend Craig to anyone! If you’re thinking of having a piper book Craig, you won’t regret it.
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Hillhead Cottage, Logierait, PH9 0LH PH9 0LH Pitlochry (Perthshire)

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