The short answer
A professional string quartet costs in Belgium €1,200–€1,800 for a ceremony package and €1,800–€3,000 for a full performance of roughly 90 minutes, excl. 6% VAT. The Desguin Kwartet's ceremony package starts from €1,650.
The short version: what does a string quartet cost?
For a professional string quartet in Belgium in 2025–2026, expect the following price ranges excl. 6% VAT:
- Ceremony package (processional, vows, recessional): €1,200–€1,800
- Full performance ±90 min.: €1,800–€3,000
- Ceremony + reception together: €2,400–€4,000
The Desguin Kwartet — the ensemble we work with at De Muziekvitrine — applies a ceremony package from €1,650 excl. VAT and a full performance from €2,400 excl. VAT.
What determines the price?
Playing time
The biggest price difference lies in how long the ensemble plays. A ceremony package (20–40 minutes of active playing) is significantly cheaper than a full 90-minute performance.
Location and travel costs
Travel costs are included in a base amount, with a surcharge for venues outside the standard travel zone. An event in Antwerp costs the same as in Brussels; a castle in the Ardennes requires a surcharge.
Quality level
The market spans a wide spectrum: from student ensembles (€400–€800) to professional musicians (€1,500–€3,000+). The difference is audible and palpable — not just in the notes, but in timing, intonation, flexibility and professional behaviour. For comparison: on Dutch booking platforms, professional string quartets typically start around €2,250–€2,400 — with a different VAT regime (9% in the Netherlands versus 6% in Belgium; see Cultuurloket) and often separate Buma surcharges that push up the final price further. What that professional level concretely gets you — and when a cheaper alternative suffices — is covered in why professional musicians make the difference.
What's included with the Desguin Kwartet?
- Four professional musicians (two violins, viola, cello)
- Preparation and rehearsal of the agreed repertoire
- Base travel cost amount
- Professional contract with cancellation terms
- Guidance by De Muziekvitrine from briefing to the day itself
Not included: PA (not needed — fully acoustic), travel surcharge for distant venues, extra rehearsal time for special repertoire.
Alternatives for adjusting the budget
- Bespoke ensemble via Vitrine Op Maat: €400 per musician — you choose the line-up (duo, trio, quartet)
- Jazz duo Along Comes Mary: from €900 — different style but suited to ceremonies
- Belpop Acoustic: from €950 — acoustic duo with Belgian repertoire
"When a couple asks if they can save on the string quartet, I always ask a counter-question: for which moment is it? If it's for the ceremony — the moment you walk in as a newly married couple — I never recommend cutting corners. That moment you'll remember for the rest of your life." Reinout Pauwels — music consultant at De Muziekvitrine
Ready for the next step? On the string quartet booking page you'll find availability and the quote form.