12 Mariachi Bands in Texas That Bring the Festive Energy

Mariachi music is known for exploring rich emotions, which is why it's a popular choice to mark meaningful milestones like marriage. And if you're planning your nuptials in The Lone Star State, which is a bastion of Mexican culture, you might be in the market for a Texas mariachi band. A style of Mexican folk music that's thought to originate from the western side of the country, mariachi is a lively symphony of brass and strings that'll surely bring in some celebratory energy. Below, find wedding mariachi band options across the state to showcase tradition and get your guests in the mood for dancing. And for even more options, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Just input your wedding location, head to the live band section and filter by "Mariachi" under the "Music Genre" section.

Mariachi Tradición de Jalisco in Houston, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Tradición de Jalisco

The members of Mariachi Tradición de Jalisco know what they're doing. Many of them began learning the art of mariachi music at an early age and some attended prestigious music institutions, like The High School for the Performing Arts in Houston and Boston's Berklee College of Music. They play mariachi tunes as well as those with folk and Latin flavor with their arsenal of instruments, including the fiddle, guitar, harp, trumpet, violin and even vocals. And as far as mariachis in Houston for weddings go, this band seems to have a special touch: At one wedding, they thoughtfully went around to each table to collect song requests from guests.

• Music Genres: Folk, latin, mariachi
• What Couples Love: One marrier notes that the band went out of their way to learn a special song for her father-daughter dance.

Mariachi Las Alteñas in San Antonio, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Las Alteñas

Girl power meets star power with this mariachi group. This all-female mariachi band from San Antonio takes pride in showing off their Mexican heritage and highlighting Mexican traditions through music. True mariachi trailblazers in the male-dominated field, Mariachi Las Alteñas is a powerful team of 10 musicians, with a complete panel of instruments (five violins, two trumpets, a guitarron, a guitar and a vihuela) and a rich stage presence, including choreography and intricate Trajes de Charro outfits. The ladies have performed for numerous wedding masses, receptions, cocktail hours and after-parties (and also on Good Morning America in 2009, just FYI), and they're more than happy to customize their set list with you.

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• Years of Experience: 20
• Music Genres: Mariachi
• What Couples Love: Beauty, talent, elegance and passion are the terms used to describe the group's performance at one couple's wedding.

Mariachi Capitál in Austin, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Capitál

This mariachi band from Austin, Texas is known for its stellar vocalists, each of which has an individual singing style. But in multiple reviews, Mariachi Capitál's promptness and on-point communication stood out just as much. The group is versatile—they can perform for your wedding ceremony, sendoff, cocktail hour and reception too, and even whittle down to just a trio upon request. Not to mention: their diverse set list.

• Music Genres: Vocals, mariachi
• What Couples Love: The band played a specialized bridal march tune for one couple, and was noted as being flexible in taking guest song requests.

Mariachi Arraigo De America in Dallas, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Arraigo De America

This mariachi band for hire in Dallas, Texas is flexible—they're able to perform as a pair, trio, quartet or larger. And you'll have your choice on instruments between two trumpets, guitarrón, vihuela, five violins and even a harp. (How lovely would the harp be for a wedding ceremony?) One father of the bride says that he received compliments from guests all evening on the band and wishes he booked a longer slot to enjoy their talents.

• Music Genres: Latin, mariachi
• What Couples Love: One review notes that they loved the group's high energy level.

Mariachi de Oro in Fort Worth, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi de Oro

Range is the name of the game for Mariachi de Oro. The group makes it their mission to keep the music constantly flowing, playing 18-20 songs per hour that span from Sones Jaliscienses, to Huapangos, to Mariachi Rancheras, to Boleros. Using the guitar, harp, trumpet, violin and vocals, the band can play as a full mariachi with eight or more members or a medium mariachi with five musicians for a more subtle sound. And if you'd like to scope out the group before signing a wedding band contract, they welcome you to attend a rehearsal and ask the band questions.

• Years of Experience: 20+
• Music Genres: Latin, mariachi
• What Couples Love: The band's stunning voices, music style and outfits all made appearances in five-star reviews of the group.

Mariachi Cariño in Lubbock, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Cariño

With over three decades of experience refining their chops playing traditional, regional Mexican music, these mariachi from Lubbock, Texas have given thousands of performances during their career. They'll travel up to 150 miles from Lubbock for your wedding and pricing starts at $750 per hour, which is under the average cost of a live wedding band. They have plenty of wedding ceremonies under their belt (including church ceremonies), but the band can also be your secret weapon for a fun wedding reception.

• Years of Experience: 30+
• Music Genres: Latin, mariachi
• What Couples Love: One review says the band's professionalism and performance quality stand out.

Mariachi Los Gallitos in Houston, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Los Gallitos

Looking for a mariachi band in Houston for hire that has some serious celebrity? Look no further than Mariachi Los Gallitos. This group has performed for the likes of Queen Elizabeth when she visited Houston in 1991 and has racked up some serious accolades, including first place at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo competition, first place at the Coors Silver Bullet Mariachi Marathon and the Pura Vida award from the Hispanic Music Awards. The Houston Chronicle also named the group the "ultimate mariachi band." Mariachi Los Gallitos offers trumpet, violins, guitarron and vihuela in their slate of instruments, along with singers. They also have experience working with dance groups, so they'll definitely get your guests grooving.

• Music Genres: Latin, mariachi, country, dance, jazz, pop, rock
• What Couples Love: One five-star review notes the talent of the group, saying their performance was the perfect homage to the couple's Mexican relatives.

Mariachi Alma de Jalisco in San Antonio, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Alma de Jalisco

These mariachis in San Antonio, Texas have a rich repertoire that includes famous mariachi composers like Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Agustin Lara and Cornelio Reyna, but they also aren't afraid to step outside tradition. One couple mentioned in their review that the band flawlessly added mariachi flair to a Frankie Valli tune when it was requested for their wedding. The five-member ensemble makes music using a trumpet, violin, guitarron, vihuela and guitar—plus each member can sing solo or together.

• Years of Experience: 20+
• Music Genres: Latin, mariachi
• What Couples Love: One marrier calls this group "the best mariachi band in the area" and notes she'll be booking them again for another occasion on account of their talent and traditional flair.

Ernesto's Music in Little Elm, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Ernesto's Music

Looking for mariachi bands for hire near Fort Worth? Ernesto's Music has been in the business for over six decades. The eponymous Ernesto has been playing guitar since he was 11 and has been making a name for himself ever since, later earning a degree in music from the University of California at Irvine. He can lead a mariachi group of two, three, four or more, and has performed at hundreds of wedding receptions (and at Texas Ranger games and other notable events). Ernesto also emphasizes he always arrives early to all performances, but especially to weddings, to ease the nerves of couples and planners alike.

• Years of Experience: 61
• Music Genres: Mariachi, flamenco, classical
• What Couples Love: "Ernesto confirmed several days before the event, arrived early to set up, and customized his selections to our wishes. His music was thoroughly enjoyed by the guests," says one five-star review.

Mariachi Amor in Austin, Texas

Photo: Photos by Yaz

Ask any Austinite about mariachi bands in Austin to rent for events and Mariachi Amor will surely be on the tip of their tongue. Founded by musician Alex Ramirez, who is known for producing the Mariachi Espectacular that sold out the Paramount Theatre in the mid-90s, this group has been at the heart of the city's mariachi movement. They've also spent "thousands of hours" performing at weddings with their slate of instruments that includes guitar, trumpet, violin and vocals. And it shows, since many reviews note the group's professionalism and attention to detail when given special instructions.

• Music Genres: Mariachi
• What Couples Love: Couples love the band's great listening, executing directions exactly as specified.

Mariachi Huasteca in Corpus Christi, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Huasteca

This male-female mixed mariachi group has been crooning tunes in Corpus Christi for almost three decades. The band prides itself on offering authentic mariachi music in an acoustic folk style, with a slate of instruments that includes the violin, guitar, trumpet, bass and vocals. The six members arrive dressed in traditional uniforms and can play to accommodate venues of all sizes. What more could you want when hiring a wedding band or looking for mariachis for hire in Corpus Christi, Texas?

• Years of Experience: 28
• Music Genres: Mariachi
• What Couples Love: Reasonable pricing and great singing stood out.

Mariachi Alegre in El Paso, Texas

Photo: Courtesy of Mariachi Alegre

Mariachi Alegre is made up of pro musicians and passionate college students who all share a deep dedication to the art of mariachi. The 11-piece ensemble—composed of guitarists, trumpet players, violinists, vocalists and more—performs traditional rancheras, boleros, danzones and huapangos. And on the more-modern side, bluegrass, tangos and "El Paso-style oldies." While they've played at weddings and high-profile events like the Albuquerque International Mariachi Conference and even at Disney World, what truly drives the band is positively influencing their community and the broader Southwest through music.

• Years of Experience: 30
• Music Genres: Mariachi
• What Couples Love: One five-star review says: "Being hispanic, most of our parties have had a mariachi band in them and I must say, we were impressed by them! They were on time and had everyone in our wedding singing along."