Music is at the heart of every wedding. It sets the mood from the moment guests arrive, carries you down the aisle, fills the dance floor later in the night and wraps up the celebration with a final song everyone remembers. Because the soundtrack plays such a big role in shaping the vibe of the day, it’s no surprise that so many couples choose to hire a professional DJ.

But the big question on everyone’s mind is: How much does a DJ cost for a wedding in Australia?

According to the latest Bark data and research, the average price of a DJ in Australia is $1,750-$2,000 per set, however pricing is set by the individual DJ and can vary based on your location, the date, the duration of your event, and the equipment required.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the average cost for a DJ for wedding celebrations, what you’re actually paying for and why choosing the right DJ can completely elevate the atmosphere of your big day. Because when the music is good, everything else just feels better.

Wedding DJ cost in Australia: The averages

When it comes to the typical wedding DJ cost in Australia, most couples end up spending somewhere between $500 and $3,500, but the final price really depends on the level of service you’re after.

On the lower end ($500–$1,000), you’ll usually find entry-level DJs or shorter bookings of around three to four hours, which can work well for smaller or weekday weddings.

Stepping into the mid-range ($1,000–$2,000), you’re looking at experienced, professional wedding DJs who can handle a full five- to six-hour reception, often with basic lighting and a custom playlist tailored to your style.

At the high end ($2,000–$3,500+), the packages become more premium, with extras like MC services, extended hours, advanced lighting setups, bigger sound systems and personalised consultations to help you craft the perfect soundtrack from start to finish.

Example: A Sydney couple may end up paying $1,500 for a 6-hour DJ package including custom playlists, dancefloor lighting and MC duties.

What’s included in a typical wedding DJ package?

While prices differ, most DJs offer packages that include:

• Pre-event consultation: To discuss music preferences, key songs and ‘do not play’ lists.
• Professional sound equipment: Speakers, microphones, mixers and backup gear.
• Lighting: Basic dance floor lighting is often included, with upgrades available.
• Setup and pack-down: Travel, arrival before guests and discreet equipment removal.
• MC services: Some DJs double as MCs, saving couples the cost of hiring one separately.
• Curated playlists: Personalised song selections for ceremonies, first dances and reception highlights.

Tip: Always confirm exactly what’s included in your DJ package, right down to equipment, travel, timing and optional extras, so you’re not surprised by any last-minute add-ons or unexpected fees.

Factors that influence wedding DJ cost

1. Experience and reputation

A DJ with years of wedding experience, strong reviews and a packed portfolio will naturally charge more. You’re not just paying for someone to play music. You’re paying for someone who knows how to read the room, keep the vibe flowing, handle last-minute changes and smooth out transitions so the whole night feels seamless. This is one of the biggest reasons the wedding DJ cost can vary so widely.

2. Location

Where you’re getting married plays a big role in pricing. DJs in big cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Perth usually cost more because demand is higher and travel or parking fees stack up. Regional DJs can be more affordable, but if your favourite DJ has to travel out of town, expect travel time and distance to be factored into the quote. This is why the average cost for a DJ for wedding celebrations can differ so much between metro and regional areas.

3. Duration of performance

A shorter 3-hour set for a relaxed cocktail reception is going to sit at the lower end of the scale. Whereas, a 7-hour full-day package covering the ceremony music, cocktail hour and a big reception will cost more. This is simply because it’s more work, more equipment setup and more coordination.

4. Extras and add-ons

• Advanced lighting setups
• Smoke or spark machines
• Photo booth hire
• Additional speakers or sound systems for marquee weddings

These extras can really elevate the experience, but they’ll bump up your total.

5. Day of the week

Saturdays are prime-time wedding real estate, so DJs often charge more for weekend events. If you’re getting married on a weekday or even a Sunday, you might find lower rates or more flexible packages since demand is a little quieter.

Comparing DJs to other entertainment options

When comparing DJs to other wedding entertainment options, it really comes down to the vibe you want and how much you’re willing to spend. DJs are often the most versatile and affordable choice, with a broad music range and an average cost of around $1,200–$2,500. Some couples, however, love the atmosphere and energy that comes with a live band, which usually sits in the higher price bracket of $2,000–$5,000+ depending on the size of the group and the length of the performance. 

Others might opt for something a little more unique, like a magician or roaming performers, which can add a fun, unexpected twist to the night for roughly $500–$2,000. And of course, there’s always the option to elevate the experience with a photo booth, typically costing $500–$1,500, which pairs perfectly with a DJ to keep guests entertained between songs. In the end, DJs often hit the sweet spot—great value, great energy and easy to combine with other add-ons to create a memorable celebration.

Why hiring a professional DJ is worth it

You might wonder if it’s cheaper to 'DIY' music with a playlist.

While possible, it comes with risks:

• No professional sound equipment
• No one to read the crowd or adjust the vibe
• Awkward pauses between songs
• Stress for the couple or guests tasked with managing the playlist

A professional DJ ensures smooth, stress-free entertainment so you can focus on enjoying the day.

How to choose the right wedding DJ in Australia

1. Ask about experience

Not all DJ experience is the same. Spinning tracks at a club or setting the mood at a corporate event is very different from running the soundtrack of a wedding. You want someone who knows how to handle key moments like the aisle walk, the first dance and timing announcements. So make sure they’ve worked plenty of weddings and understand the flow of the day.

2. Check reviews

Before locking anyone in, have a look at what others are saying. Reviews can tell you a lot about a DJ’s reliability, how well they read the room, whether they kept the dance floor full and how professional they were behind the scenes. It’s one of the easiest ways to spot red flags early.

3. Confirm equipment quality

A good DJ comes prepared, not just with great music, but with solid sound and lighting gear. They should also have backup equipment ready to go, because the last thing you want is technical issues during your first dance or speeches. Don’t be afraid to ask what they use and how they manage emergencies.

4. Request a sample playlist

Every couple has a different vibe. Asking for a sample playlist gives you a feel for their style and whether they get yours. It also helps you gauge how flexible they are with requests and whether they can create a mood that suits your theme, whether that’s elegant, upbeat, nostalgic or completely unique.

5. Clarify costs upfront

Before signing anything, get a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the wedding DJ cost. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for means no awkward budget surprises later on.

Example wedding DJ packages around Australia

If you're trying to get a feel for what real couples are actually paying, it helps to look at a few real-world scenarios. Prices vary depending on the city, the length of your event and what’s included, but these snapshots are a great way to understand how your own wedding DJ cost might compare.

• In Melbourne, a DJ might charge around $1,500 for a 5-hour reception, which typically includes setup, microphone hire and standard lighting to get the dance floor moving.
• Over in Perth, a more comprehensive full-day package at about $2,200 could cover everything from ceremony music to the final song of the night, plus MC services and upgraded lighting effects.

For couples in regional NSW, you might find a 4-hour reception package for around $1,200, though there’s often a travel surcharge if your venue is outside the main metro area.

Why a DJ can make (or break) your wedding day

When it comes to weddings, people might not remember every little detail, like the entrée or the flower arrangements, but they will remember how the night felt. And nothing shapes the vibe quite like a great DJ. The right one keeps the energy flowing, reads the room and guides your guests from the ceremony aisle to the final dance without a hitch. It’s not just about playing music; it’s about creating moments your friends and family will talk about long after the big day.