Central Texas has a deeper Scottish and Irish heritage than most people realize. The Salado Scottish Games, Hill Country communities, and Highland gatherings across the region all point to a place where bagpipes make sense.
If you're looking for a bagpiper in Central Texas — for a wedding, a funeral, a corporate event, a veterans ceremony, or a private celebration — here's what to know about where I perform and how to find the right piper for your event.
Serving the Austin metro
I serve Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, and the surrounding communities. For most Austin metro events, the logistics are straightforward and no travel premium applies.
The Hill Country is prime wedding territory
Fredericksburg, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Marble Falls, Boerne, and Johnson City are some of the strongest wedding and ceremony areas in Texas. Outdoor venues with cedar, limestone, open sky, and water views are excellent acoustic settings for pipes.
Travel beyond the Austin metro usually includes a transparent travel adjustment, quoted before confirmation. For destination Hill Country weddings, spring and fall weekends can fill months in advance.
What I cover across the region
- Weddings: processional, recessional, cocktail hour, and full ceremony service.
- Funerals and memorials: graveside, chapel entrance, procession, and short-notice services.
- Corporate events and private parties: Burns Suppers, Highland-themed events, St. Patrick's Day events, galas, and celebrations.
- Civic and veterans ceremonies: Memorial Day, Veterans Day, flag presentations, wreath layings, and formal openings.
What to look for when hiring any bagpiper
- Full traditional Highland dress, not partial costume or casual clothes.
- Clear communication about timing, placement, and venue expectations before the event.
- Direct coordination with the planner, funeral director, venue contact, or event staff.
- Specific experience with your event type, because funerals, weddings, and civic ceremonies require different judgment.
Ryan Guthrie's background
I am a fifth-generation Austinite with Irish and Scottish heritage. I trained locally with the Capitol City Highlanders, then spent seven years performing professionally in the UK with Preston Pipes and Drums and as the official piper at Lancaster Castle.
That background matters because ceremonial performance is not just about the notes. It is about arriving early, reading the room, coordinating cleanly, and giving the event the sound it deserves without adding friction.
How to book
For weddings during March through June and September through November, reach out as early as you can. For funerals and memorial services, call or send the inquiry as soon as you know you would like a piper; same-week bookings are often possible when the date is open.
Common Questions
Do you travel outside Austin?
Yes. I regularly serve Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, San Marcos, Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, Boerne, and other Central Texas locations. Farther events may include a travel adjustment.
Are you available for same-week bookings?
Often, yes, especially for funerals and memorial services when the date is open. Weddings and peak-season Saturdays usually need more lead time.
Can you provide vendor details for venues?
Yes. I can provide standard vendor information such as contact details, W-9 details when needed, event timing, attire, and setup notes. If a venue has specific documentation requirements, send them with your inquiry so I can confirm what is available before booking.
How do I book?
Send the date, location, event type, approximate performance time, and any tune ideas through the booking form. I will reply with availability, pricing, and next steps.
Looking for a piper in Central Texas?
Send the date, city or venue, and event type. I will let you know whether the date is open and what the right format looks like for your event.