Meet The Maker: A Heartfelt Conversation with Wedding Singer, Song Writer and Producer Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott reflects on his journey from modest beginnings to becoming fully immersed in the wedding industry, working with Grammy Award Winners and where his passion for music and connection with couples has defined his career.

In this Journal, we dive into the world of Mark Elliott, a singer and producer whose soulful voice has become a staple in the wedding industry. From his early days of discovering music to becoming a sought-after performer at weddings, Mark shares his journey with us. He reveals the passion that drives him, the challenges he's faced, and the moments that have made his career unforgettable. Whether he's serenading a ceremony or igniting the dance floor, Mark’s talent shines through in every performance. Join us as we explore the magic behind the music.

It's rare to find a supplier you instantly connect with, but Mark Elliott is one of those gems. Mark’s charismatic yet laid-back presence makes him a joy to have around - we often catch him brewing a coffee behind the bar. While many wedding singers are exceptionally talented, what sets Mark apart is his organic, authentic style. He effortlessly balances the day’s energy, adapting his soulful voice to match the mood and time, making every moment feel perfectly tailored.

Let’s start at the beginning! How long have you been singing?

I started singing in primary school, I was terrible but taught myself how to play the guitar. I probably realised it was something I really loved in my late teens. 

Where did the idea first come from - we’d love to know how your journey began?

I’ve been playing weddings on and off since I was 18 but only started taking it seriously when my friend George Simpson (another TOV favourite) gave me a stand at a wedding fair he couldn’t make, and I realised it was possible to fill up my calendar with wedding - I've never looked back! 

How would you describe what you do - is there anything you’d like people to know about who you are and what is at the heart of your business?

I think the thing that really sets me apart in a wedding context is that I can go from super intimate guitar and vocal for the ceremony, to chill lounge vibes for the drink’s reception and then professional party animal in the evening - you’re probably as likely to see me on the dance floor as behind the DJ booth after my live sets. In the week I’m a busy songwriter and producer. I’ve worked with people like Niall Horan, Gabrielle Aplin, Victoria Canal and Moncrieff among others between London and LA and I think being around Grammy winners and charting artists has led definitely me to constantly improve to compete in those circles – I think my wedding performances have benefitted hugely from this.

What’s your favourite thing about being a wedding singer?

I love getting any kind of emotional response; whether that be tears in the ceremony, a few laughs in the early evening or huge sing-alongs and dance offs later. They’re the moments I really strive for and remember afterwards. I love the feeling of connection after a great night. 

What’s been the hardest thing about running your own business?

It’s been pretty painless, but I think the only downside is being out every weekend and missing friends and family’s events, definitely still working on finding that balance. 

Has there ever been an ‘oh dear’ moment while working on a wedding and how did you navigate around it?

The only ones that come to mind are the very occasional technical failure, speakers/guitars/power cables failing at crucial moments - 9 times out of 10 these are usually fixed without anyone noticing (I have 2 of EVERYTHING for this exact reason) but if it’s unavoidable I think most things can be navigated with a smile and good sense of humour. 

Over your time as a singer so far, can you share one stand-out moment?

Not quite a wedding but the one that really sticks with me was playing a funeral for the father of a bride a few weeks after the wedding. It was hugely emotional all day for obvious reasons but at the end of the night we sang ‘Country Roads by John Denver’ (one of his favourites) and I can’t quite put into words how it feels to hear 150 people truly singing to the heavens but it still brings a tear to my eye thinking about it. 

On this subject, what about your favourite wedding - can you name one and why you loved working on it?

Truly too many to name but I think my favourites are always the ones where I feel like I’m part of the family afterwards. 

When it comes to your field, where do you look for inspiration?

I’m constantly adding and changing the set, but I’d say I definitely lean towards playing older music that everyone knows and connects with. Also, in the past I’ve played with lots of different wedding bands so have tried to incorporate the best bits of all of those into my sets. 

What do you think the big trends for the next year will be?

Smallish country house weddings and an acoustic singer for sure haha!

What songs would you like your couples to choose?

I don’t mind too much on this one, but my all-time favourite exit song is ‘I believe in a thing called love - the darkness’ and for first dances I love it when people choose songs that everyone knows and will get involved with; think ‘Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston, ‘Wonderwall - Oasis’ and ‘Can’t take my eyes off of you - Franki Valli’. I’m also a big fan of a challenge so anything where people want a song to be completely transformed is always fun – romantic versions of heavy metal songs are definitely encouraged.

If you had one piece of advice for couples choosing their wedding music, what would it be?

I think probably not to overthink it. For example, it’s easy to agonise over the bridal entrance music but ultimately, it’s only the soundtrack to what’s already a beautiful and emotionally charged moment - if it’s appropriate and you like it, it’s probably perfect! 

Are there any common mistakes you see brides/couples make when deciding on their wedding music?

I think probably just overthinking it and occasionally trying to avoid ‘over played’ songs…I understand the temptation to ban the grease mega mix, but everyone loves it aha. 

 

We’re a smaller wedding venue, we’d love to know if you have any thoughts on how to create an atmosphere for a more intimate space?

I think being careful not to go too ‘big’ with anything. It’s easy for a solo or duo to match the energy of a room than it is for a full band with drums for example. I think TOV works well for me because I can be chill in the day and ramp it up towards the end of the night. 

We’d love to do a ‘day in the life’ question - could you share some details on when you usually wake up, what your morning routine is, what you might work on throughout the day or week if it’s a wedding week vs a non-wedding week, and how evenings usually wind down (or up!) for you?

In the week if I’m not wedding’ing I’ll usually travel to London early, meet with whoever I’m collaborating with for coffee and lunch and then head to the studio ready to make some magic. I’m a big fan of flow state songwriting and quite often ‘run the tap’ (just hit record and see what happens) until we find something worth finishing. Then it’s just about refining the idea and (hopefully) having a finished song we love at the end of the day. Maybe see some friends and then head back home to countryside.

Usually, I’ll have a couple of days just being a dad in the week, I love national trust houses and gardens so will quite often drive out somewhere picturesque for the day if I’m free.

Wedding days I usually get to the venue mega early and get set and warmed up, if it’s The Old Vicarage I’ll get breakfast in the deli in Southwell and then go and hangout with Chelsea and the team, TOV is my home from home so always feel relaxed and ready to go.

https://www.markjohnwedding.com

http://www.melliottmusic.com