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FORGET THE NAMEAcoustic Duo ยท Carmel, IN
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Weddings

Live Wedding Music for Cocktail Hours and Receptions in Indianapolis

Not every wedding needs a dance band. We're Todd and Leah Severson, a husband-and-wife acoustic duo from Carmel, and we play warm, familiar live music for cocktail hours and intimate receptions, at a volume your guests can talk over.

Smaller weddings

Why an Acoustic Duo Suits a Smaller Wedding in Carmel or Zionsville

More couples want a wedding that feels personal: a shorter guest list, an intimate venue, and a reception where people can actually talk to each other. Around Hamilton County, that might be a winery patio in Westfield or a private dining room in Fishers. Music should add to that evening, not take it over.

That's where we fit. A full dance band is built for a different kind of wedding. If yours is more relaxed and more about the people in the room, an acoustic duo gives you real live music without the volume, the staging, or the cost of a larger act.

We've been married for over 30 years ourselves, so we know what the day means, and we treat every wedding that way.

Your day

Where We Fit in Your Wedding

Cocktail hour

While you're taking photos, your guests are mingling with a drink. Live music fills that hour better than any playlist: present enough to set the tone, quiet enough for easy conversation.

Dinner and the reception

For couples who want a relaxed, fun reception rather than a dance party, we play through dinner and into the evening.

Outdoor and backyard weddings

We bring our own sound, so we can play a garden, a backyard, or an estate without anything from the venue.

Winery and brewery receptions

Wineries and breweries around Indianapolis make relaxed wedding venues, and a laid-back acoustic set fits them well.

Our style

Not a Dance Band, and That's the Point

We'd rather be upfront. We're not a high-energy dance band. There's no drummer, no horn section, and no DJ setup. If you're picturing a packed dance floor until midnight, we're probably not your best fit, and we'd rather tell you now.

But if you want music that feels like part of the moment rather than the main event, at a wedding your guests remember for the people and the feeling, we may be exactly what you're looking for.

Planning details

What We Need From You

Space

About 8 by 8 feet on a flat surface. A corner, a spot along a wall, or a garden space all work.

Power

An outlet near where we'll set up. Our own PA, microphones, and cables come with us.

Setup time

About an hour to set up and sound check before guests arrive. We handle setup and breakdown.

Outdoors

For a summer wedding outside, a shaded spot for us to play.

The music

Songs for Your Day

We play songs people know and love from classic rock, pop, country, folk, and soul. Nothing obscure, just familiar, feel-good music that fits the mood of your day.

If there's a song that means something to the two of you, tell us when you book. We'll learn it if possible. Give us as much notice as you can so we can do it justice.

Artists we cover include The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Ray LaMontagne, Paul Simon, Tracy Chapman, The Lumineers, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, and Lake Street Dive.

See the Full Song List

Questions

Wedding Music Questions From Indianapolis-Area Couples

Do you play wedding ceremonies?

No. We play cocktail hours and receptions only.

How much does live wedding music cost?

It depends on how long you'd like us to play, your date and the season, and travel. Weddings in Noblesville or on the north side of Indianapolis are an easy drive for us. An acoustic duo costs a fraction of a full band, and you still get real live music. Send us your date and we'll reply within 24 hours with a quote.

How far ahead should we book?

Book as soon as you've set your date. Even if it's last minute, call us to see if we can play.

How long do you play?

2 to 3 hours, which covers a cocktail hour and the reception, in sets with short breaks. We'll plan the timing around your day.

Can you learn our song?

We'll learn your special song if possible. Tell us when you book. The more notice you give us, the better we can do it justice.

What happens during your breaks?

We can have background music playing during our breaks if you'd like. We'll agree on the timing with you ahead of the day, so there are no awkward silences.

What if something happens and you can't make it?

It's never happened: we've never missed a performance. If a true emergency came up, we'd contact you right away and work to find a solution, including connecting you with musicians we trust. Our signed agreement spells out what happens on either side.

Is Your Wedding Date Open?

Tell us about your day. We reply to every inquiry within 24 hours.