Live piano has a way of making a wedding feel inevitable — like the whole day was always going to sound exactly like this. I'm Evan Read, a classically trained pianist based in Augusta, and I play weddings across the CSRA: church ceremonies downtown, garden ceremonies in Columbia County, receptions at venues from Augusta to Aiken.
One musician, a full sound, and arrangements built around your songs — not a playlist with a person attached.
How your wedding day flows
Prelude. As guests arrive and settle, twenty to thirty minutes of music sets the tone — classical, jazz standards, or instrumental takes on songs you love. This is the part guests hear the longest and remember the least specifically; its job is atmosphere.
Processional. The walk down the aisle, timed to the moment rather than the other way around. Live music can stretch, breathe, and land the final chord as you reach the front — something no recording can do.
Ceremony music. Unity candle, sand ceremony, communion — if your ceremony has a moment that needs music under it, it's covered.
Recessional. Something joyful. You just got married; the music should sound like it.
Cocktail hour. Jazz standards, classical, and tasteful takes on pop that keep the energy up without drowning the conversation. This is where live piano earns its keep — an hour of background playlist reads as filler, an hour of live music reads as hospitality.
Reception & first dance. Dinner sets, and if you want your first dance played live — your song, arranged for solo piano — that's part of the job, not an upsell.
Custom arrangements are included
Send me the song — any song — and it will be ready. First dances, processionals that aren't in any wedding book, the deep cut that matters to the two of you. Custom arrangements of your songs are included in every wedding booking, not billed as extras.
A sample of what couples ask for is on the repertoire section of the homepage: Canon in D, Clair de Lune, La Vie en Rose, A Thousand Years, Can't Help Falling in Love — alongside whatever yours turns out to be.
Where I play
Based in Augusta with no travel fee for the metro area: Augusta, Evans, Martinez, North Augusta, and Aiken, SC. Churches, historic venues, country clubs, hotels, and private homes across the CSRA. Traveling further into Georgia or South Carolina is usually workable — ask.
Planning an Aiken wedding? There's a dedicated page for Aiken weddings and venues.
What couples say
"So happy with Evan's services. So skilled, with a vast repertoire. Would definitely use again."
— Vivienne V., verified review, 2023
Wedding FAQ
How far in advance should I book a wedding pianist?
Three to six months is ideal, especially for peak season (spring and fall in Augusta). If your date is closer than that, ask anyway — cancellations happen and weekday weddings often have room.
Do you provide your own piano or keyboard?
Most churches and established venues have a piano. If yours doesn't, I can arrange a rental or bring a professional stage keyboard and sound — it's a solved problem either way, and we'll confirm it before you book.
Can you play our song for the first dance or processional?
Yes — this is the most common request and the best part of the job. Send the song and it will be arranged and ready, no matter how far it is from the standard wedding canon.
How much does a wedding pianist cost in Augusta?
It depends on the date, how much of the day you want covered (ceremony only vs. ceremony through reception), and location. Send your details through the inquiry form and you'll have a quote within 24 hours — usually within a few.
Do you play with singers or other musicians?
Yes. I accompany vocalists regularly — if you have a friend or family member singing at the ceremony, I'll rehearse with them and make them sound their best.
Check your date
Four fields, and you'll hear back within 24 hours with availability and a quote.
Check availability → or text (310) 648-2550.