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Updated 20 July 2026 · 4 min read

Music licence for events, weddings and one-off functions

For one-off events, whether you need your own licence depends entirely on the venue. Here’s how it works.

For a one-off event where music is played in public — a wedding reception, a festival, a charity ball — a music licence is usually needed, but who’s responsible depends on where it’s held. Licensed venues normally already hold TheMusicLicence covering events on their premises; for unlicensed or temporary spaces, the organiser may need their own cover.

At a licensed venue (hotel, function room)

Most hotels and dedicated function venues hold a licence that covers music at events on their premises — so you usually don’t need your own. It’s always worth confirming with the venue in writing.

At an unlicensed or temporary space

For a marquee, a village hall, a warehouse or an outdoor site that isn’t already licensed, the event organiser may need cover. PPL PRS has tariffs for single and casual events, and a Specially Featured Entertainment tariff where music (a DJ or disco) is the main draw.

Weddings specifically

A reception at a venue is normally covered by the venue’s licence. Note that booking a DJ or band doesn’t cover the public-performance right — that responsibility sits with the venue or organiser, not the performer.

Running an event and not sure who needs to be licensed? Ask us — we’ll tell you honestly whether you need cover and help you avoid paying for something the venue already holds. No savings, no fee.

Think you're overpaying?

Run a group of 4+ sites? Send us your invoices for a free estate review — no savings, no fee. Just one site? The £99 Single Invoice Check gives you a written verdict in five working days.

Free estate review (4+ sites)One site? £99 check

Related guides

TheMusicLicence for restaurant & bar groups: what you should be payingAcross a multi-site estate, the same small tariff error repeated site-by-site is where the real money hides.Music licensing for car dealerships: showrooms, workshops & groupsDealership estates pay for music in showrooms and workshops across every site — a structure that quietly invites overcharges.Music licence for cafés and coffee shops: do you need one and what does it cost?Most cafés play background music — which means TheMusicLicence — but independents are among the most likely to be over-charged. Here’s what’s fair.

This guide is general information, not legal advice, and MLC is an independent consultancy — not affiliated with PPL PRS Ltd, PRS for Music or PPL.