How to Get Your First DJ Gig (From a Wedding DJ Salt Lake City Couples Trust)
If you’ve ever watched a packed dance floor and thought, “That looks so fun, I want to do that,” this blog is for you.
I’m CC Brown. I own Brown Sound. I’m a Salt Lake City dj couples trust with one of the biggest nights of their lives. And I want to be very clear about something right away:
I was not born knowing how to DJ weddings.
I did not wake up one day with bookings magically rolling in.
And I absolutely had moments where I thought, “Am I even allowed to do this?”
If DJing looks cool to you but you have zero clue where to start, this post exists for one reason:
To help you get your very first gig.
And yes, this is part of a series. Because there are no dumb questions here. None.
Let’s Start With the Truth No One Tells You
Everyone starts somewhere.
Every confident DJ you see today once googled things like:
“How do DJs get weddings?”
“What gear do I actually need?”
“What if I mess it up?”
I remember feeling that exact way.
At Brown Sound, I’m very against gatekeeping. DJing does not need to feel mysterious or exclusive. You do not need to know everything before you begin. You just need to start.
About Unpaid Internships (Hard No) and Strategic Free Gigs (Yes)
I’ll say this plainly. I hate unpaid internships. I think they should be illegal.
That said, when you are brand new and literally have no portfolio, no photos, no videos, and no proof, it is unrealistic to expect someone to pay you full wedding rates right away.
So here is what I actually recommend.
Offer to DJ a real event for someone you know.
A cousin’s wedding.
A friend’s engagement party.
A birthday party.
A house party.
It is even better when you already have a relationship with them, because you can be honest.
Say something like:
“Hey, I’m building my DJ business. I need real experience and content. If I do this for you, I’ll need photos, videos, and honest feedback.”
Most people want to help. And now you are not begging. You are building.
That first event matters more than you think. It gives you confidence, proof, and something to show the next person who asks what you do.
Why Real Events Matter More Than Practicing Alone
Practicing at home is important. I still do it.
But nothing replaces DJing real people.
At real events, you learn:
How long songs should actually play
When energy dips
How transitions feel
How crowds react differently
This is how DJs get good at events. Not by playlists, but by people.
And no, it does not have to be a huge wedding. Small parties count. Every rep counts.
Document Everything (Even If It Feels Cringe)
This part is huge.
Post everything.
Post yourself practicing.
Post your gear.
Post setting up.
Post breaking down.
Post the awkward early gigs.
Post the wins too.
Do not pretend you are not new. Own it.
People value transparency way more than perfection. I would much rather hire someone who says, “I just opened my books and I’m learning fast,” than someone pretending to be experienced with zero proof.
If you want to be one of the dj's for parties people trust, show the process.
Couples Are Watching, Even If You’re New
Here’s something most new DJs do not realize.
Engaged couples are not just hiring experience. They are hiring confidence and care.
When couples search for a utah dj, they are not only asking if you can play music. They are asking if you will care about their night.
Your transparency answers that question for them.
Gear Does Not Need to Be Fancy at First
You do not need everything.
At the beginning, focus on:
A basic controller
A laptop
Headphones
Speakers you can borrow or rent
I have seen people spend thousands before booking a single gig. That is not necessary.
Learn flow, timing, and crowd energy first. Gear can come later.
Practice Like You’re Already Booked
One of the best habits you can build early is practicing like people are watching.
Practice transitions. Practice talking on the mic. Practice timing your sets.
This is how you stop feeling like a hobbyist and start feeling professional.
Why People Hire Brown Sound (And Why This Matters)
I built Brown Sound around one thing. Throwing electric dance parties without losing control of the night.
I’m 22. I’m a female DJ living in Utah. And I’m known as Utah’s number one girl DJ because my dance floors go off.
Think sweaty middle school dance energy.
Think 2000s throwbacks.
Think Pitbull going unreasonably hard.
That did not happen by accident.
It happened because I started small, learned fast, and showed up consistently.
If you want to DJ weddings someday, learn from people who already do it well.
For Engaged Couples Reading This
If you are an engaged couple in Utah, here is why this blog matters to you.
Great DJs are not accidental. They are built through reps, experience, and learning how to read a room.
When you hire a wedding dj Salt Lake City couples trust, you are not just hiring someone to play songs. You are hiring someone who understands pacing, energy, and people.
That is what we do at Brown Sound.
Experience Is Built, Not Given
Every great DJ has:
Played awkward rooms
Recovered from mistakes
Learned when to pivot
Built confidence over time
That experience is exactly what I bring to every wedding I work.
If You’re New, Start Now
If DJing has been on your mind, do not wait until you feel ready.
Your first gig will not be perfect. Mine wasn’t either.
Start messy. Start honest. Start small.
That is how real careers are built.
Let’s Build Your Night the Right Way
If you are an engaged couple looking for a dj Salt Lake City couples actually rave about, I would love to talk.
I offer a free discovery call so we can make sure we are the right fit for your vision, your crowd, and your energy.
Ready to create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding?
Let’s chat about your big day. We offer free consultations and would love to hear your vision.
👉 https://www.brownsoundpro.com/weddings
If you want your night to build, peak, and absolutely go off, I’ve got you.
