How Much Does a Butler Cost?
Schofield Butlers’ professional butler service starts from £40 per hour, with a minimum booking of six hours. For longer engagements, our day rate is £400 for up to ten hours.
Travel time, transport costs and other reasonable expenses may apply depending on the location and requirements of the engagement. These will always be discussed before the booking is confirmed.
Every assignment is different, so the final quotation will reflect the date, location, hours, type of service and level of preparation required.
Butler Hire Prices
Hourly rate: From £40 per hour
Minimum booking: Six hours
Day rate: £400 for up to ten hours
Travel and expenses: Quoted according to location and requirements
Butler Costs for Events, Private Households and Estates
A private dinner or shorter event requiring the minimum six-hour booking starts from £240, plus any applicable travel costs or expenses.
This time may include preparing the service area, welcoming guests, managing drinks, coordinating with the chef or caterer, providing dining service and clearing down afterwards.
For a longer wedding, celebration or private event, the £400 day rate covers up to ten hours. If additional service time is likely to be required, this will be agreed in advance wherever possible.
The number of guests and complexity of the occasion may mean that additional service professionals are required. Simon or Peter will discuss this with you before providing the quotation
Clients hosting formal entertaining often engage a luxury event butler service to bring a level of refinement and professionalism that enhances the experience for guests.
Event engagements are usually priced depending on the size and duration of the event.
Longer Household and Estate Engagements
onger engagements within a private household or estate are quoted according to the duties, working pattern and length of support required.
This may include temporary holiday cover, support during a period of residence, guest hospitality, sporting weekends or assistance while recruiting a permanent household professional.
Simon or Peter will discuss the household’s requirements directly before providing a clear quotation. Schofield Butlers supplies temporary, founder-led professional support rather than permanent staff placement.
What Can Affect the Final Quotation?
The published hourly and day rates provide a clear starting point. The final quotation may also reflect:
Location and travel
Travel time, transport, accommodation or meals may be required for assignments outside the local area.
Hours and timings
Early starts, late finishes, overnight requirements or service exceeding the agreed booking may affect the cost.
Guest numbers
Larger dinners and events may require additional service professionals to maintain the correct standard.
Preparation and complexity
Formal dining, detailed table preparation, wine service, sporting occasions or multi-day estate visits may require additional planning.
Special requirements
Wardrobe, particular service dress, specialist equipment or unusual household requirements will be discussed before confirmation.
All anticipated charges will be explained clearly before the engagement is booked.
What Is Included in the Butler Hire Rate?
The rate covers more than the visible hours of service. Before the engagement, Simon or Peter will discuss the schedule, menu, guest arrangements, dress requirements and expected level of formality.
On the day, the service may include preparation, coordination with the household or catering team, welcoming guests, drinks and dining service, attention throughout the occasion and an orderly handover or clear-down.
Most importantly, the client receives experienced, discreet and founder-led service—allowing the host, principal or estate team to rely on one professional point of responsibility.
Why Experience Matters
A professional butler is trusted with the atmosphere, timing and privacy of an important occasion or household. Experience allows potential problems to be recognised early and handled calmly, without involving the host or principal unnecessarily.
Schofield Butlers’ rates reflect founder-led service from Simon or Peter, each bringing decades of practical experience in private households, estates, formal hospitality and high-profile environments.
Those interested in the profession itself can also explore our guide explaining how to become a butler in the UK and the skills required within private service.
Request a Clear, Personal Quotation
To receive an accurate quotation, tell us the location, proposed date, approximate hours, number of guests and type of service required.
Simon or Peter will respond personally to discuss the engagement, explain any travel or additional costs and confirm exactly what is included before you book
If you are considering engaging a butler, our professional butler services can be tailored to the specific needs of your event or household.