Start a close-up magician business for weddings and events
Mingle with guests at weddings, dinners and company events, performing close-up magic at the table.
- £400-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
Walk-around or table-hopping close-up magic for adult audiences, often during drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts or corporate dinners. Stage shows can be added later.
Your first three steps
- Build a strong 20-minute close-up set and film a professional-looking demo reel
- Introduce yourself to local wedding venues, planners and entertainment agencies
- Create a simple website with your demo, a clear price guide and a contact form
Who pays
Couples, event planners, hotels, venues and companies organising parties, product launches or award dinners.
How it makes money
A booking fee per event, usually priced by the hour or by the session, with higher fees for corporate clients and travel on top.
Skills that help
- Polished close-up sleight of hand
- Easy conversation with strangers
- Professional, reliable manner
- Networking with planners and venues
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, as venues and agencies often ask to see it
- Agencies usually take a commission, so check your pricing leaves room for it
- Bookings can be seasonal and uneven, so plan cash flow
- Check venue rules on performing and travel arrangements before confirming
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: close-up magician for weddings and events
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a wedding and corporate magician?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on your props, insurance, professional photos or video and marketing. Many performers build up their repertoire gradually.
How much can a close-up magician earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £3,500, depending on how many events you book and your fees. Bookings can be seasonal and uneven, so plan your cash flow.
What should I check before taking wedding and corporate bookings?
Check public liability insurance, as venues and agencies often ask to see it. Agencies usually take commission, so check your pricing leaves room for it. Also check venue rules on performing and your travel arrangements before confirming.
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Photo: AdinaVoicu on Pixabay