If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Award-winning SOLO INSTRUMENTAL-ONLY guitarist. NO VOCALS. Pure live guitar to create the perfect atmosphere for your event.
I provide elegant live music for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. My repertoire spans classical, Spanish, flamenco, Latin, and over 200 custom arrangements of contemporary songs. From The Beatles to Bohemian Rhapsody, I bring familiar melodies to life with beautiful guitar.
Why clients book me:
✔ 500+ public 5-star reviews
✔ Memorable instrumental music that fits your style
✔ Personalized service with song requests welcome
✔ Reliable and polished from first contact to final note
Investment:
Most clients invest between $750 and $1500 depending on event length and travel
Awards:
Top National Guitarist on The Bash
Best of Weddings on TheKnot.com (2013 to present)
Couple’s Choice on WeddingWire.com (2013 to present)
Hall of Fame on TheKnot.com
Overview
Hired 2 times
Serves Wheaton, IL
Background checked
1 employee
14 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and punctuality.
Exceptional 5.0
18 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Erin M.
Mar 25, 2021
•
From Google
Due to Covid, my husband and I went from a 200+ person wedding to a small intimate ceremony for 12. We chose to have our ceremony at The Morton Arboretums Fragrance Garden, and they highly suggested Jim for our music. I can say hands down, hiring Jim was the best decision we made. His music elevated our small short-notice wedding into something that felt like it could be truly treasured. Jim learned some of our favorite songs, including our first dance song that I also chose to walk down the aisle to. Hearing an acoustic Ho Hey by The Lumineers as I walked down the aisle towards my husband brought us both to tears. The timing worked out perfectly as well. Jim started playing while our guests set up the decorations and got seated, through our ceremony, and his set lasted through our family photos as well. There wasnt a guest with us that didnt say the music is what really brought it all together. I would highly recommend Jim for a small or large gathering. We were originally set to have a DJ play music for our ceremony (back when it was at a large venue) and I now know the experience we would have missed out on and we are glad it worked out this way.
Jim Perona's reply
Thank you so much, Erin!! I'm thrilled that you were happy with my playing at your wedding. Your request of "Ho Hey" worked so perfectly. Thank you again for the honor of being a part of that beautiful day and I wish you both the very best!!!
Annie P.
Feb 17, 2021
•
From Google
I highly recommend Jim! I've always dreamt of walking down the aisle to H.O.L.Y by Florida Georgia Line. It was so difficult to find an arrangement that we liked. As soon as I heard Jim play I started crying. It's beautiful!! Jim was kind enough to send us a mp3 of the song so we could play it during the ceremony. I started going through his songs and found another that we decided to use for our bridal party. He was great to work with!!! People still mention his music when discussing our wedding and ask where we got it.
Jim Perona's reply
Thank you so much, Annie!! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed my recordings. I'm so honored that my arrangement & performance was still able to be a part of your wedding from afar! Thank you again for your kindness and congratulations again on your wedding!!
Robert B.
Mar 18, 2021
•
From Google
AMAZING!! COULDN'T HAVE BEEN BETTER!We cannot begin to express how blown away we were with Jim. We asked him to play our ceremony and gave him very little direction of what we wanted him to play, and very little information of the structure of our ceremony. Jim helped us EVERY step of the way. He guided us along and helped us shape our ceremony. He was extremely professional and showed up early and prepared. He played absolutely beautifully, even bringing several guests to tears with his renditions of classic songs. I would recommend him to absolutely anyone and everyone. You will not be disappointed. Professional and a great talent. A++
Jim Perona's reply
It was an absolute honor and I couldn't be happier for both of you, my friend!!
Emily S.
Aug 24, 2021
•
From Google
Jim was amazing to work with for our ceremony music. He is so talented, but more importantly, such a nice guy! He was able to learn 3 new songs for us, and we even got to have a preview on Zoom before the big day so we could hear the music. We talked through the flow of the ceremony and he made us feel so comfortable. The music was absolutely beautiful and everything we wanted. We even got a recording of the songs to enjoy time and again. Thanks, Jim!
Merideth S.
Jan 30, 2021
•
From Google
Jim was fantastic to work with and I highly recommend him! He was super professional, communicative, and his music was beyond beautiful. Plus his catalog of music is super expansive. Everyone at our wedding still talks about how talented he was and how much he added to the entire atmosphere of the event!Thank you Jim!!
Jim Perona's reply
Too kind of you, Merideth! Thank you so much. Your reception was such a perfect night with beautiful weather and amazing people :). I was honored to be there and wish you & Mike the very best!
Credentials
Background Check
Jim Perona
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My minimum fee is $500 and can fluctuate from there based on timing, location and event type. I will work with you to create a custom quote based on the details of your event.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After receiving a message or email from a customer, I will respond with my service details and quotes. From there, we can set up a call or virtual meeting to further go over details of your event (for a virtual meeting, I will gladly perform some samples for you live!). Please include the date, timing, location and event type in your message so I can send you the most detailed information possible.
A 25% deposit is due to confirm the booking & secure the date. The remaining 75% balance is due one week prior to the event. I will be available to answer any questions & offer input any time throughout.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Performance experience: I have performed over 500 private events, from weddings to corporate parties and more. I have also performed 100s of public performances for restaurants, wine bars, and more. These performances have earned me over 500 5/5 star reviews across various platforms.
Formal education:
Master of Music (with Academic Honors) in Guitar Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music.
Bachelor of Music from Northern Illinois University.
