There is something utterly captivating about music on a wedding day. The soft build of a ceremony song, the gentle hum of an acoustic set during golden hour, and that euphoric moment the DJ drops your track and the dancefloor comes alive.
At The Hackney, music does not just accompany a celebration - it elevates it. With more than 300 weddings hosted in our historic East London space, we have seen first-hand how the right soundtrack turns a moment into a memory.
Why music feels so good here
Our venue was built for atmosphere. Inside our 1856 former brewery, the high ceilings, botanical accents and moody lighting create an unforgettable backdrop. But it is the sound that truly sets it apart.
The back room is fitted with a Funktion-One sound system, designed for immersive, high-quality audio. Whether you are sharing your vows, toasting under the skylight or celebrating on the dancefloor, the music surrounds you - warm, clear and never overpowering.
All music is played indoors through our in-house system, giving a refined, acoustically rich experience tailored to the tone of your celebration. For the full technical detail, from speaker specs to sound levels, read our music guidelines.
Our recommended DJs
These DJs have all played at The Hackney and are trusted for their professionalism, versatility and knack for creating unforgettable moments. We update this list regularly as we discover new talent.
DJ T-RUSS - vibrant energy, genre-spanning sets and an electric stage presence. Find him on Instagram at @dj_truss.
DJ Just Craig - room-reading magic, custom playlists and a talent for blending classics with modern edits. Find him on Instagram at @djjustcraig.
DJ Vinyl Jen - seamless vinyl blends, high-energy sets and a signature groove that keeps the floor alive. Visit vinyljen.com.
DJ Mitch Mathews - bespoke wedding sets, soulful slow dances and party anthems that get the room going. Visit djmitchmatthews.com.
Plug in and play
We provide the full DJ setup: a Pioneer XDJ-RX3 all-in-one system, booth monitoring and a dedicated DJ desk. Your DJ simply brings a laptop and their music, and connects via XLR. If your DJ has any questions about compatibility, our team is happy to talk it through before the day.
Live music moments that stir the soul
While full amplified bands are not permitted, The Hackney is perfectly suited to intimate live music. Think acoustic trios as guests arrive, jazz in the lounge or a solo vocalist during dinner.
Couples have loved:
- Jazz trios for cocktail hour
- Acoustic soul singers during the reception
- Ceremony string duos
- Classical guitar at golden hour
These performances work in harmony with the venue’s natural acoustics and sit comfortably within our sound guidelines. The full list of which instruments work here, and which do not, lives on the music guidelines page.
Timing your evening
A little planning detail worth knowing early: live music finishes by 10pm and all music finishes by 11pm. Most couples build their evening around a live moment earlier in the day - the ceremony, cocktail hour or dinner - and hand the dancefloor to the DJ for the final stretch. It is a rhythm that works beautifully in this space.
Come and feel the atmosphere
If you would like to experience the sound, the atmosphere and the energy first-hand, the best way is to step inside the venue. Whether you are dreaming of a vinyl-first reception, a heartfelt acoustic set or a high-energy late-night playlist, our team will help you bring it to life.
Check your date to see if we are free, or book a tour and hear the room for yourself.