Craig Smith Wedding Testimonials | Real Reviews from Couples
Wedding Piano Testimonials
A note from Craig:
You’ll see a lot of wedding testimonials online that were chased, nudged, and followed up.
These weren’t.
I never ask couples for reviews. I don’t think it’s fair to pester people after their wedding; the day should end with memories, not marketing follow-ups. It's reassuring to know that every message on this page is from someone who took time out of their own day to write and send it, simply because my music meant something to them.
If you’re wondering what it’s actually like to have me there on the day — the atmosphere, the song choices, the requests, and how smoothly everything runs — these notes tell you far more than I ever could.
Have a read of a selection of testimonials below. Picture your own wedding day and if it sounds like I'm a match for everything you're dreaming of, tap “Check Availability” to tell me your date and venue.
The following testimonials are a selection of messages and cards sent since 2016:
Featured Recent Messages
There Wasn't A Dry Eye in the House
Our guests haven't stopped talking about how amazing Craig was since our wedding.
We like alternative music, and Craig reassured me that it was possible to help make our metal/rock music into romantic ceremony music. And he did just that. There wasn't a dry eye in house the minute the music started to play.
He also helped with a bit of music during the speeches to help remember my late nan, which was beautiful.
We allowed Craig to have free choice in what was played during the wedding breakfast. He took our taste and kept the mood up. Family and friends recognised a lot of the tunes and even threw some in there for the kiddies. We were so incredibly happy with Craig on our wedding day and so were our guests.
Thank you for helping make our day as perfect as it was.
- Mr & Mrs Carpenter
Guests' Arrival, Wedding Ceremony, Drinks Reception & Wedding Breakfast - Solo Piano
Wrenbury Hall - Nantwich - May 10th, 2025
Fantastic Service from Start to Finish
Fantastic service from start to finish!! Craig was exactly what we were after for our wedding, ensuring that the ceremony and wedding breakfast was filled with beautifully played music that our guests could also request! Many tears were had during his beautiful version of Skyfall as I waited at the altar. His custom-made Beauty And The Beast blended with Aladdin for our guests to walk in to is something I wish I’d have recorded!! From start to finish I could not recommend anyone enough!
- Jordan
Wedding Ceremony, Drinks Reception & Wedding Breakfast - Solo Piano
Wrenbury Hall - Nantwich - June 8th, 2024
Craig is one incredibly talented musician!
Craig is one incredibly talented musician!
Timings are important for a ceremony. Processional march timings can go awry (nerves always get the better of bridesmaids and there's a fast pace down the aisle no matter how many times it's been rehearsed). The register and photo opps can be hard to predict making music choices difficult.
Having a musician on hand like Craig, who's paying attention and can adapt the music to those changes as they happen ensure your ceremony has beautiful ambiance and flow.
- Jennifer Walker - Independent Celebrant
April 2022
By Far the Best Pianist
Craig Smith is by far the best pianist I met when planning my Bartle Hall wedding and I attended so many wedding fairs! He was amazing from start to finish and even adapted songs to how we wanted them to be played. He made those so personal and it was so emotional to hear how amazing he made them sound! I am so happy we booked him for our day and we had so many people comment on how beautiful he sounded. 5 stars from me!
- Annie
Guests' Arrival, Wedding Ceremony & Drinks Reception - Solo Piano
Bartle Hall - Preston - July 19th, 2025
Can Play Pretty Much Anything
Booking Craig was probably the only decision I got to make about the day, and it was without doubt one of the best decisions of the day. He is mega talented and can play pretty much anything asked of him. He set the tone perfectly for the ceremony and drinks reception, taking his piano outside in the sun to continue the entertainment after the ceremony. Lots of our guests commented on how good he was. I would recommend him without hesitation.
- Aled
Wedding Ceremony & Drinks Reception - Solo Piano
Bartle Hall - Bartle Hall - July 25th, 2021
Personal Songs
Craig was the pianist at my wedding, he played before the ceremony, during the ceremony and at the drinks reception. Craig did an amazing job, we got so many comments on how beautiful his playing was. Craig did not require us to pick from a song list and we got all the personal songs we wanted on the day performed perfectly by Craig... even the LEGO movie theme tune. Craig really was an amazing addition to our wedding!
- Lauren & Scott
Wedding Ceremony & Drinks Reception - Solo Piano
The Tithebarn - Skipton - December 13th, 2019
A Lovely Atmosphere for Our First Dance
Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. It was such a pleasure to hear you play and our guests very much enjoyed it. Thank you for allowing [groom] Andrew to play in what turned out to be a special and memorable moment on our wedding day! Thank you for creating a lovely atmosphere for our first dance outside on the Lakehouse — a truly unforgettable romantic moment!
We thoroughly enjoyed the day — thank you for being part of it and making the long journey to South Wales!
- Mr & Mrs Wrona
Drinks Reception, Wedding Breakfast, Evening Turnaround & First Dance - Solo Piano
Oldwalls Gower - Swansea - July 5th, 2025
Amazing From Start To Finish
Craig played whilst I walked down the aisle, during the drinks reception and during our wedding breakfast. He was amazing from start to finish, from playing Irish songs requested by my husband's family to learning my husband's favourite song from scratch. He was complimented throughout the night and still to this day. Thank you for making our day extra special.
- Melissa
Wedding Ceremony, Drinks Reception & Wedding Breakfast - Solo Piano
Meols Hall - Southport - July 16th, 2021
More Notes from Couples Over the Years
2025
Your Music Was Absolutely Beautiful
We just wanted to say a huge thank you for playing at our wedding. Your music was absolutely beautiful and added so much to the atmosphere, it truly made the day feel extra special.
We had the most wonderful day and are so grateful for your talent and professionalism. Thank you again for being such an important part of it.
- Mr & Mrs Buchan
Armathwaite Hall - Keswick - December 5th, 2025
Communication was 10/10
I booked Craig about two years in advance and everything about the booking process and communication was 10/10. Craig was professional and lovely to have as one of our suppliers. We had him for our cocktail hour and wedding breakfast. Our guests commented how great he was in the cocktail hour whilst we were getting our photos and he was amazing during our wedding breakfast.
No need to give him a list of songs to be played he just knew what to play. Would 100% recommend! Thanks Craig!
- Jennifer
West Tower - Aughton - November 21st, 2025
2024
Absolutely Incredible
We wanted to share a huge thank you with you. You were absolutely incredible and all of our guests loved you. Two of our guests said when they walked into the venue they started crying, it was so beautiful!
- Mr & Mrs Rylands
Eaves Hall - Clitheroe - December 8th, 2024
Helped to Create Our Dream Wedding
Thank you for providing the music during our wedding reception at Eaves Hall. You provided the perfect ambiance and atmosphere with your beautiful piano music, and you helped to create our dream wedding day.
- Harriet & Chris
Eaves Hall - Clitheroe - December 7th, 2024
Your Talent is Absolutely Amazing
Craig played the piano for our ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast. We can’t thank you enough for performing at our wedding, your talent is absolutely amazing. The guests said they recognised every song you played which speaks for itself! Really pleased we went ahead with booking you as it made such a difference to our day. Thank you again!
- Mr & Mrs Harrison
Sparth House - Great Harwood - October 5th, 2024
Didn't You Just Get the Party Started!
It was an honour to have you play, Craig! You are so talented, and my gosh didn't you just get the party started before our evening celebrations kicked in! Thank you for playing so beautifully the numerous requests you received - is there anything you can't play?!
- Kelly
Merewood Country House - Windermere - August 1st, 2024
Guests Particularly Enjoyed Submitting Requests!
Thank you so much to you and John [sax] for playing so beautifully at our wedding! It really added a special ambiance to the day and I know our guests particularly enjoyed submitting their requests!
- Catherine & Joey
Knowsley Hall - Knowsley - May 31st, 2024
Everyone Loved It
Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. The music was amazing and everyone loved it. Thanks for helping make our day so perfect.
- Mr & Mrs Lord
Hidden River Barn - Carlisle - March 14th, 2024
2023
Just What We Wanted for Our Big Day
Craig played at our wedding at Inn on the Lake for our ceremony and drinks reception. It was the perfect atmosphere and just what we wanted for our big day. Craig played a great choice of music and I believe he even played songs requested by guests. He was absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend him for your big day.
Thank you soo much Craig!
- Lauren
The Inn on the Lake - Ullswater - August 21st, 2023
2022
Thank You For Being So Accommodating!
We just really wanted to say thank you for your incredible performances! We didn't really know what sort of music to pick but your choices were perfect and definitely brought the day together. We hadn't realised at the time just how many requests you were taking, so thank you for being so accommodating! It was a particularly lovely moment when we first arrived in the car at Eaves Hall and were greeted with your piano music.
Thanks again for helping make the day feel so special and lots of our guests commented on how much they loved the music!
- Mr & Mrs Shires
Eaves Hall - Clitheroe - July 24th, 2022
2021
We Would 1000% Recommend Booking Craig
Wow, what a day! Craig (and Chris who joined on violin for the ceremony) was just perfect in every way! They played some cracking music for our guests and the music played during the ceremony was so emotional. We would 1000% recommend booking Craig for your wedding, you will not regret it and will not be disappointed!
- Mr & Mrs Hill
West Tower - Aughton - September 9th, 2021
Communication Was Excellent
Craig was excellent. I booked him as a surprise for my wedding. His communication prior was excellent and his portfolio of tunes covered everything. Would recommend, 5 star service.
- John
Bartle Hall - Preston - July 11th, 2021
2020
He Was Excellent
Craig played at a wedding I conducted as a celebrant recently, he was excellent. I'd certainly recommend him to any couple looking for a musician for their special day or to anyone else looking for a musician for any event.
- Anne-Marie Ledson - Wedding Celebrant
January 2020
2019
Out Of This World!!
We cannot thank Craig enough for our wedding at Beeston Manor on Saturday! The communication we had with Craig was exceptional, always keeping us up to date with proceedings and our guests loved the touch of the white piano. Thank you for everything!
- Emma
Beeston Manor - Preston - July 20th, 2019
2018
Out Of This World!!
Craig performed at our wedding on Saturday and he was out of this world!! We would highly recommend him to anybody wanting a pianist he is truly talented. All our guests commented on how fantastic he was.
- Danielle & Paul
Samlesbury Hotel - Preston - May 19th, 2018
Absolutely Fantastic!
I booked Craig and John to play piano and sax at our wedding on 4th February 2018 at Peckforton Castle. They were absolutely fantastic! They played music during our service and reception and it was warming and beautiful. So happy! I requested a handful of songs that meant something to us but then decided to let John and Craig decide the rest and we were not disappointed. Complete professionals, friendly and such stars! Highly recommend! Thank you so much, you made our day!
- Victoria & James
Peckforton Castle - Tarporley - February 4th, 2018
2017
Magical
Me and my husband would like to thank you for your wonderful music at our wedding ceremony at Newhouse Farm. We were blown away by your professionalism and your talent. It really made our day even more magical than we had anticipated. We just wish that you lived in our house and played your piano there 24/7. Thank you so much!
- Lizzie & Lance
New House Farm - Lorton, nr. Keswick - March 18th, 2017
2016
Our Guests Were Awestruck
We got married on Saturday 17th September at Samlesbury Hall and were literally blown away by Craig. He is so talented and genuinely made our day. Craig set the atmosphere so perfectly and our guests were awestruck. He even helped me do my speech by playing along with cards I held. Nothing was too much and he played so beautifully, I had tears in my eyes. Thank you so much Craig, you're the best!
- Hollie & James
Samlesbury Hall - Preston - September 17th, 2016
Made My Husband's Day
My new husband and I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you for playing at our wedding. You made our wedding breakfast perfect and made my husband's day by playing Z-cars! We couldn't recommend you highly enough. Thanks for everything!
- Louise and Martin
The Villa - Wrea Green - September 16th, 2016
Had Me In Tears!
My husband and I would like to say a massive thank you for the beautiful music you arranged and played at our wedding on the 13th of August at the Last Drop Village. My entrance music was just perfect and even though the day went by in such a blur, I'll always remember hearing it before I came in the room, it had me in tears! It was all so beautiful and our guests loved it.
- Charlotte and Matthew
Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa - Bolton - August 13th, 2016
Professional and Reliable
How lovely yesterday was to work with a professional and reliable pianist as yourself Craig. Look forward to doing so again soon. Mr & Mrs Taylor loved it!
- Donna Brown, Pure Elegance Weddings & Events Ltd [Wedding Planner]
Eaves Hall - Clitheroe - July 1st, 2016
Nothing Was Too Much Hassle
We booked Craig for our wedding at Barton Grange in June 2016. Nothing was too much hassle, he was even prepared to learn music that he had never played before. Having the piano played as guests entered the room made the setting even more perfect. All of our guests commented on how lovely it was having Craig play the piano whilst relaxing having a drink and said it was nice just to sit listening to him play. We couldn't recommend Craig enough.
- Lucy and Anthony
Barton Grange Hotel [Now Barton Manor] - Preston - June 4th, 2016
Absolutely Perfect
With love and thanks for your help in making our wedding day everything we dreamed of and more! Thank you so much for playing at our drinks reception and wedding breakfast, your music was absolutely perfect and we would recommend you to everyone.
- Laura and Craig
Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa - Southport - March 26th, 2016
Would Highly Recommend!
Just want to say a massive thanks to Craig for playing at our wedding on 13th Feb - he was absolutely fantastic throughout and so helpful! I had very specific requirements as to the procession music and Craig put me totally at ease that all would go to plan and really delivered on the day! Thanks Craig! Would highly recommend!
- Steph and Carl
Peckforton Castle - Cheshire - February 13, 2016
2015
Fantastic Decision
I just wanted to say on behalf of all of us - a huge thank you for your great playing at our wedding yesterday. It was a fantastic decision to choose you and it was nice to simply get on with things without having to worry, knowing that the music was taken care of. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend you and certainly would use you again for other family occasions.
- Alan Taylor (father of the bride)
Carden Park - Cheshire - October 11, 2015
2014
What a Great Job
Just watching our wedding video and I wanted to say what a great job you did playing the piano at our wedding at Eaves Hall last November. Your performance of Paradise by Coldplay was awesome and our videographer got it all. You should have it on your website. Thank you so much, albeit belated!
- Sue and Oliver
Wedding Ceremony & Drinks Reception - Solo Piano
Eaves Hall - Clitheroe - November 1st, 2014
2013
Professional Throughout
Just a quick message to say a massive thank you for playing at our wedding. All our guests commented on how beautiful the music was, you were a very special part of our day. You were professional throughout and it was a pleasure to have you with us. We had a truly magical day. We won't hesitate in recommending you to our friends and family in the future.
- Emma & Damien
Mytton Fold - Whalley - August 30th, 2013
Perfect Backdrop to our Beautiful Day
Thank you so much for the amazing music you played which was the perfect backdrop to our beautiful day.
- Caroline & Ian
Mitton Hall - Clitheroe - July 6th, 2013
2012
Beautiful Musical Arrangements
Thank you so much for your beautiful musical arrangements, many of our guests commented about "the wonderful music". We had a fantastic day and all ran like clockwork.
- Juliet & Gary
Bolton School - Bolton - August 26th, 2012