The Elegant Harp

Elegant Harp Music for Your 1000 Islands Wedding

Imagine walking down the aisle as ethereal harp notes float across the St. Lawrence River. That’s the magic The Elegant Harp creates for couples celebrating in the 1000 Islands region. Led by talented harpist Esther Underhay, this Alexandria Bay-based music service specializes in transforming weddings and special events into unforgettable experiences through the beauty of live harp performance.

Why the Harp Elevates Your Special Day

The harp remains the most elegant of instruments, and for good reason. Its delicate, breathtaking tones create a sophisticated ambiance that no playlist can replicate. Most importantly, live harp music speaks to guests of all ages and backgrounds—making it the perfect choice for diverse celebrations. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or an extravagant ceremony, the harp provides the romantic foundation your day deserves.

Versatile Music for Every Moment

The Elegant Harp doesn’t limit couples to solo performances. Because flexibility matters, the service offers harp duos, string ensembles featuring harp with violin and cello, and even jazz band options. This means you can customize the musical experience for each part of your celebration—from a gentle prelude welcoming guests, to ceremony processionals and recessionals, to lively cocktail hour entertainment.

The key? Music plays quietly enough to allow conversation, yet loudly enough to create magic in the air. Therefore, guests remain engaged with each other while enjoying beautiful accompaniment.

Popular 1000 Islands Venues

Besides performing at iconic locations like Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, and The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, The Elegant Harp services numerous regional venues. In addition to these landmarks, performances take place at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Historic Hart House on Wellesley Island, and many charming riverside locations throughout Alexandria Bay and the surrounding areas.

Personalized Ceremony Planning

Every couple’s love story is unique—their music should be too. That’s why Esther Underhay offers personal Zoom consultations to curate the perfect soundtrack. Whether your ceremony is Christian, Jewish, Interfaith, or completely your own, she tailors selections to reflect your values and preferences. Beyond ceremony music, she also enhances cocktail hours and receptions with a versatile repertoire spanning Broadway, standards, current pop, and classics.

A Proven Track Record

With thousands of bridal events under her belt, The Elegant Harp brings both artistry and experience to destination weddings. Couples flying in from elsewhere find tremendous value in having a dedicated professional who understands 1000 Islands venues intimately. As a result, stress decreases and confidence increases—allowing couples to focus on celebrating love.

From June through September, The Elegant Harp performs live music at Boldt Castle, giving prospective couples the chance to experience Esther’s talents firsthand before booking their own event.

Message from Esther Underhay

You may be having an extravagant 1000 Islands Wedding Ceremony or a simple affair; at Boldt Castle or Singer Castle; in Jacques Cartier Room at Riveredge Resort Hotel, in the Gazebo at Bonnie Castle Resort, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River at 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, at Casablanca on Cherry Island. It may be a Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony. At the personal consultation I work with you as a couple to personalize it with just the right music for the prelude and your Wedding Ceremony Processionals and Recessionals, whether it is Christian, Jewish, or Interfaith. I would suggest music being played quietly during the Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony. Sometimes couples also like harp music played very quietly while they are saying their vows.

Harp music is perfect for your cocktail hour as well, whether on the Uncle Sam Boat or at one of the hotels. The music provides an elegant ambiance, yet does not intrude on the conversation. For the wedding cocktail hour and reception, I suggest incorporating a mixture of favorite songs including Broadway, Standards, Current Pop spanning three generations. This is to make it meaningful to the wide range of ages represented. If your cocktail hour is taking place at a hotel with a piano, that is also an option.

Destination weddings ceremonies are very popular in the 1000 Islands, New York. You may live here or are flying in just in time for the wedding. I will assist you in ensuring the music is exactly what you have always dreamed of. The music of the harp is sure to help create an unforgettable experience on your wedding day!

I have personally performed for literally 1000’s of Bridal Events. These include Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Receptions, Proposal, Engagement Dinner, Bridal Shower, Rehearsal Dinner, Brunch Morning After Wedding at the many beautiful venues in the 1000 Islands.

I perform in Alexandria Bay, Clayton, Watertown, on the Islands, and the surrounding area in Jefferson county.

-Esther Underhay