Dubuque wedding DJs since 1993

5.0 on Google from 400+ reviews. DJing since 1993.

Award-winning Dubuque wedding DJ service

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Wedding Music for Every Generation

We manage the dance floor to keep all generations dancing all night long!
Bride and groom dancing

All the Classic Songs

We got you covered with all of the legit old school throw-back jams of yesterday

Man dancing at a party

All the New Songs

We update our music selections each and every week so we always have the slaps

Woman dancing at a party

No Dance Skills Required

Absolute Music encourages everybody to get up and dance regardless of skills

Dubuque's premier wedding DJ experience

Your Wedding DJ Experience

DJ Features

You Deserve the Best. And the Best Is What You'll Get

Legit Music Library

We travel with an extensive library of music to make sure we have your song!

Brilliant Sound

Crystal clear sound with just the right amount of bass to get you dancing.

Gnarly DJ Lighting

We have state-of-the-art beat activated lighting for the dance floor.

Guest in a pink dress spinning on a wedding dance floor
Photo by Kurt Wagner Photo

User-Friendly DJs

It's not just a catchy saying. Our DJs are super friendly and ready to help.

Reception MC

Your DJ handles announcements and keeps your key moments moving.

Vendor Coordination

Your DJ works with your other vendors to keep the reception moving.

Super Easy Planning

Our wedding event worksheet takes all of the hassle out of planning!

No Chicken Dance Policy

Our DJs won't play the chicken dance unless you explicitly ask us to!

Your Event Is Remembered

Our DJ service plays the songs that get you dancing and making memories.

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Unforgettable Events Start With an Absolute Music DJ

At this point, we’ve been DJing events and helping others celebrate their special moments longer than we haven’t.

Let us help you make certain your next event keeps  everybody having fun and creates lasting memories for all!

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Wedding guests dancing with hands raised beneath tent lights
Photo by Kurt Wagner Photo

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© 2026 Absolute Music DJ & Photo Booth · Dubuque, Iowa

Wedding Reception Games & Traditions

It turns out we love to have fun and incorporate games into your wedding reception!

When it comes to weddings, there is never a shortage of traditional activities. Here is a couple traditional events that can take place during your reception along with a couple non-traditional games to potentially include.

Bouquet Toss

bouquet toss

The bouquet toss tradition is one that has existed for hundreds of years and evolved over time. In this tradition, brides toss their bouquet over their shoulders and into a group of single women. Whoever catches the bouquet is supposedly “next” to walk down the aisle. 

Garter Toss

Garter toss at a wedding reception
The garter toss tradition is one that has existed for hundreds of years and evolved over time. In this tradition, the bride sits in a chair while her groom removes a garter from around her leg. The groom tosses the bride’s garter over their shoulders and into a group of single men. Whoever catches the garter is supposedly “next” to walk down the aisle.

The Shoe Game

shoe game

This is one of our favorite wedding games to play. The newly-married couple are seated on chairs in the middle of the dance floor, back-to-back. Both of the newlyweds remove their shoes and exchange one so that  The newlyweds will have one of their own shoes and one of their partner’s shoes. 

During the game, a series of questions are asked, and the answer is either “the bride” or “the groom” (same sex couples will be referred to by their proper pronouns, of course). The newly-wedded couple answer each question asked by our DJ by holding up the shoe of the correct answer. For instance, if the question was “Who usually cooks breakfast” and the answer is the groom, they should both hold up the groom’s shoes. Couples can either plan the questions ahead of time and have them written down somewhere, have the audience shout questions out, ask the guests to write questions down on paper, or use a combination of all three methods.

The point of the game is really just another way for your guests to get to know the couple a bit, but most of all, it’s for laughs and comic relief.  The best part was that the couple typically doesn’t know the questions ahead of time, which really adds to the fun!

Anniversary Dance

anniversary dance

Our DJ announces that it’s time for ALL married couples to get up and join the bride and groom on the dance floor. After the first bar or two of the song, we announce, “Anyone married less than 6 hours, please take a seat.” Everyone will get a chuckle out of watching the bride and groom leaving the dance floor. After a few more bars we will announce, “Anyone married less than 1 year take a seat.” After a few more bars we will announce, “Anyone married less than 5 years take a seat.”

We keep doing this for each of the following marks, less than… 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 30 years, 35 years, 40 years and so on until one couple is left standing. Once the last couple dancing has been identified, we ask the crowd to, “Please put your hands together and give them a round of applause.” Next we announce to the last couple dancing, “Since you obviously know what it takes to make it work, would you please give the bride and groom some advice on a long happy marriage?”

Your guests will love hearing their words of advice as well as recognizing a long-lasting love.

DJ entertainment beyond weddings

Absolute Music’s DJ services extend beyond weddings to other celebrations in Dubuque and within 80 miles of Dubuque. Explore our corporate event DJs for a company holiday party, team celebration or anniversary. Our prom and school dance DJs provide music for proms, homecomings and other school events. For other gatherings, take a look at our festival and community event DJs or birthday and graduation party DJs. Music bingo and music trivia offer game options, while line dancing DJ music is for groups ready to dance. If you are considering a confetti cannon, talk with us about your plans and check your venue’s permission and cleanup requirements before booking.

Service Upgrades

We Do A Lot More Than Just DJ

Meet the DJs

Mike F

Mike F

Our most experienced DJ, with us since 2012. Mike F always makes sure the bride and groom are taken care of. Ask him about weddings, because he has seen them all.

Shane DJ

Shane

A veteran DJ with us since 2012, with one heck of an announcer’s voice. Crowds love him. When he picks up the mic, people listen.

Brad and Mary

Brad

Our workhorse, with us since 2018. Brad DJs and runs photo booths, hosts our country line dancing events, and does our bingo and trivia. If there’s a job to do, he’s already on it.

Dan DJ

Dan

With us since 2022. Dan loves music and is about as cool as they come. Hand him a playlist and he’ll bring the vibe.

Titan DJ

Titan

Mike F’s son, with us since 2022. Titan does a great job and brings great youthful energy. Like father, like son behind the decks.

Jadyn photo booth

Jadyn

With us since 2016. Funny, and always there to help out during the photo booths. Expect a good laugh along with your photos.

Brad and Mary

Mary

Brad’s wife, and not afraid of work. Mary usually runs the photo booth and always has the best attitude. Smile big, she’ll make it easy.

Olivia photo booth

Olivia

Mike F’s wife, and by his side at the photo booth since day one. Always super kind and friendly. Step into her booth and you’re in good hands.
Denise DJ

Denise

Our karaoke guru since 2017, and she does a great job with it. Bring your song and your confidence.

Jake DJ

Jake

With us since 2012. Jake loves all things outdoors, including hunting and fishing. Ask him about the one that got away.

Wedding DJ FAQ

Questions? Answered.

What couples ask us most, answered the way we would tell you in person. Still wondering about something? Email Jered and he will get back to you.

  • The basics
  • Your music and your night
  • Extras and add-ons
  • Your venue and booking

The basics

Who we are and what a DJ package covers.

How long have you been DJing weddings?

Absolute Music has been DJing weddings in the Dubuque area since 1993. In that time our dedicated team has worked with hundreds of happy clients across Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, helping each couple bring their vision for the day to life. Weddings are still the core of what we do, and that experience comes with us to every reception.

What does your wedding DJ service include?

Your DJ handles announcements and transitions, coordinates the key moments of the night, and works with your other vendors. The service includes professional sound and standard dance floor lighting: moving colored lights over the dance floor. Setup before your guests arrive and tear down after they leave are part of it.

What is the difference between DJ lighting and uplighting?

DJ lighting is the moving colored lights over the dance floor, and it comes with the DJ service. Uplighting is a set of stationary lights placed around the inside edge of your reception space to add color and change the look of the room. We rent 12 uplights.

How long does the DJ play?

Our reception DJ service is one flat rate from the start of your reception until your party ends or midnight, whichever comes first.

Do you announce the wedding party and family introductions?

Yes. Your DJ announces your wedding party and family introductions. When your wedding party arrives at the venue, someone from the group lets your DJ know everyone is there. Your DJ then lines everybody up, checks each name and the order, and announces each person as you make your way into the reception.

Do you do ceremonies?

Yes. Ceremony sound can be added to one of our DJ packages. We typically do not do ceremonies unless we are also your DJ. It covers a sound system for your ceremony, a microphone and stand for your officiant, about 30 minutes of background music before the ceremony, and your processional, recessional and other ceremony songs.

Your music and your night

How we plan the party with you.

How do we plan our music?

After you book, you fill out our wedding event worksheet. It is where you tell us your timeline, must-play songs, do-not-play list and key details. Please send it back at least 30 days before your wedding.

Can we send you a playlist?

We prefer not to work from a preselected playlist, because that is how a dance floor goes quiet. Instead, give us general guidance, such as the eras and styles you like, how many slow songs you want, and songs you do or do not want. You can send a playlist for ideas as long as there is no obligation to play it song for song.

What timeline do you need from us?

We look for your timeline from the ceremony forward. For example: ceremony start, arrival at the reception, cake cutting, garter toss, dinner, speeches, and when the dancing begins.

Will you play the Chicken Dance?

Not unless you explicitly ask us to.

Can we meet or talk with our DJ before the wedding?

All communication goes through Jered at info@absolutemusicdjs.com until your DJ arrives on the day of your wedding. This keeps everything in one place so there are no gaps in communication.

Can we request a specific DJ?

You can. Write the DJ’s name in the margin of the contract and we will do our best to assign them if they are on the schedule for your date. We cannot guarantee a specific DJ.

Extras and add-ons

Photo booth, cold sparks and more.

How does the photo booth work?

An attendant stays with the booth to help guests, change paper and toner and keep it running. Each session prints two photo strips, and you choose the strip design from our templates page. After the event we give you a link to download your photos, and we can post them to Facebook.

Can we add a photo booth or other extras later?

Yes, you can add services later. They are first come, first served, so availability depends on the date.

Can we have cold sparks at our venue?

Cold sparks need your venue’s approval, and you confirm that with the venue before booking. We bring 4 machines and book cold sparks at a 4-machine minimum, one booking per date. If your venue does not allow them, we do not provide the effect and refund the fees paid for cold sparks.

Can you emcee without your sound system, if our venue has its own?

Emcee-only service is not typically an option, but every event is worth a conversation. Email Jered at info@absolutemusicdjs.com and tell us about your event.

Your venue and booking

Where we can play and how to lock in your date.

How far do you travel?

We serve couples within 80 miles of Dubuque, Iowa. Within 80 miles of Dubuque, there are no travel, setup or teardown fees, just the package you choose.

What venue access do you need for setup and teardown?

We need to be able to get inside the building. We need access to the venue at least 60 minutes before the scheduled start for setup and at least 30 minutes after the scheduled end for teardown.

What do you need for an outdoor wedding?

We need overhead shelter from rain and direct sun, a stable raised floor or platform off the ground, and a level, dry area of at least 6 by 10 feet for the DJ equipment. Power must come from a dedicated 15-20 amp grounded circuit within 50 feet of the setup area.

How can we pay?

We accept checks payable to Absolute Music, and cash. We do not take credit cards, which helps keep our prices low.

How do we reserve our date?

Your date is secured once we have received your signed contract and processed your non-refundable retainer of half of your total. Print the contract, fill it out, sign it, and mail it with your check to the address on the contract. Once both have arrived and the retainer is processed, we email you to confirm you are officially on our calendar.

Still have a question?

Every event is worth a conversation.

Email Jered

Contact Us

Thank you for visiting Absolute Music. Our dedicated team would  love to help bring your event vision to life. Since 1993, we have worked with hundreds of happy clients across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. We look forward to having a conversation with you!

Service Area

Dubuque, Iowa · Serving 80 miles around Dubuque

Hours

Mon-Sat: 10 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: Closed

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What Clients Say

Top rated
Absolute Music5.0
Based on 401 reviews
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James B.
DJ mike is the shit! Would recommend again!
Response from the owner:Thank you, James!
Devin D.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Devin!
joe M.
DJ Mike was the best! Great songs great vibes highly recommend
Response from the owner:We’re glad to hear that DJ Mike created such a memorable experience for you, Joe! Thank you for your high recommendation! 🎶
Laney H.
Absolute Music did an amazing job at our wedding! Brad showed up on time, checked in with us throughout the night, and played the best music! Our wedding day FLEW by and Brad kept tabs throughout the night- keeping us on schedule and taking care of many of the small things i didn’t think about. When we first arrived to our reception he got us drinks and brought them to the head table, which was very sweet! He was so great, made the night run smoothly, and i highly recommend using Absolute Music to anyone!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Laney!
Richard A.
Loved working with Brad very easy to communicate with an very friendly...would definitely work with Brad if ever crossed paths again..
Response from the owner:We're delighted to hear about your positive experience working with Brad! Communication and friendliness are key, and it’s great to know that he delivered on both. Thank you, Richard!
Kelly F.
DJ Titan was a lot of fun and very professional. Would hire him again for any event!
Response from the owner:It's great to hear that DJ Titan brought so much fun and professionalism to your event, Kelly! We appreciate your willingness to hire him again. Thank you for your kind words! 🎉
carolyn F.
Titan Dj rocks!!!!
Response from the owner:We're excited to hear that you loved Titan DJ's performance, Carolyn! Thank you for your amazing feedback! 🎶
Jeremy F.
DJ Mike was great, lots of fun.
Response from the owner:It's wonderful to hear that you had a fun experience with DJ Mike, Jeremy! Thank you for sharing your positive feedback! 🎉
Hillary L.
The absolute best wedding DJ ever!!!! Highly recommend!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Hillary! We appreciate your kind words and recommendation. We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our wedding DJ services! 🎉
Rich K.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Rich!
Logan S.
photo booth with bella was awesome
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner:Thank you, Logan! We're thrilled to hear that you had an awesome experience with the photo booth and Bella. 😊
Brian F.
Dj titan rocked the floor all night!
Response from the owner:It's fantastic to know that DJ Titan kept the energy high all night, Brian! Thank you for your enthusiastic feedback! 🎉
Travis K.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Travis!
Ciearra S.
Love Denise. Have so much fun every time I come here
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ciearra!
Kimy O.
Brad was awesome! He was excellent to work with. He provided helpful tips and reminders. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:We're delighted to hear about your positive experience, Kimy! It's great that Brad was able to assist you with helpful tips and reminders. Thank you for the high recommendation! 🎉
Madison W.
The best ever
Response from the owner:Thank you, Madison!
Tenley C.
Brad made for such a fun wedding!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Tenley!
Kate A.
I got the privilege of working with Jered at a wedding last spring. He did a wonderful job communicating with us and keeping the timeline moving when the venue coordinator repeatedly dropped the ball and was less than communicative. He read the room perfectly and kept the dance floor packed all night. Super personable guy and we look forward to working with him again in the future!
Response from the owner:It's great to hear that Jered was able to keep the timeline on track and ensure a lively atmosphere for your wedding! Your appreciation for his communication and personal touch is valued, and we look forward to working with you again. Thank you, Kate! 🎉
mocacup34
Response from the owner:Thank you, mocacup34!
Bella B.
DJ Mike was absolutely amazing!! From the second he set up, he was working constantly between the crowd and his music!! Highly recommended here and we can’t wait to have you back!! Thanks so much for all your help on such a packed house!
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Gabriel S.
3rd wedding I’ve been to with this DJ. Definitely recommend. Knows how to curate a vibe.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Gabriel for enjoying our Wedding DJ service!
Harlin K.
Brad from Absolute music showed up to our venue the day before our wedding and got everything setup and ready for us! During his setup he walked us through the plan one last time to make sure we were all on the same page as far as transitions, announcements, etc. Brad walking through the plan and coordinating with our venue and other vendors made us feel confident that he would handle some of the things we hadn’t fully thought through. On the day of, everything went perfect and Brad kept things on time when they needed to be and flexed just the right amount to allow the day to flow seamlessly! Would highly recommend, also the photobooth was great :)!
Response from the owner:It's wonderful to hear that Brad's thorough preparation and attention to detail helped make your wedding day smooth and enjoyable! We're glad he was able to coordinate well with everyone involved. Thank you for recommending us, Harlin! 🎉
Alex O.
Absolutely amazing I couldn't recommend a better dj made the night unforgettable!!!!! 5 stars forever!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Alex!
Kasey C.
Brad was amazing!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Kasey!
Nate K.
Awesome DJ. Brad kept the party going all night long. 10/10 would recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Nate!

Here's the Very Best Opinions

"We couldn't have asked for a better DJ for our wedding day! From start to finish, everything was absolutely amazing."
McKenzie B
Google, 2026
"Absolute Music did a fantastic job at our wedding! We received so many complements and questions about our DJ."
Kelsey & L
Google, 2026
"The best! Not many DJs will do sing requests anymore in my experience, but they are very request friendly!!"
Molly N
Google, 2026

Call or Text Absolute Music Today!

Affordable and User-Friendly DJs and Photo Booths
563-581-1030
Photo: Erin Henze Media
★★★★★5.0 on Google400+ reviews
Dubuque DJ & Photo Booth

Make your night the one everyone talks about.

Tell us your date and we will take it from there. Wedding DJs since 1993, photo booths since 2011.

☎  Call 563-581-1030
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1993DJing since
5.0Google rating
400+Reviews
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