She's absolutely wonderful! We had the pleasure of having Alyx perform cocktail magic at our wedding, and when our friends and family reminisce, Alyx always comes up. If you have the opportunity to work with her, do it!
- Lisa B. - Burlington, VT Wedding Client
Why Couples Throughout Vermont and Lake Placid Choose Alyx
Most couples hire Alyx Hilshey to help their guests break the ice during their cocktail hour.
An international performer, Alyx is based in the northeast and frequently works with wedding couples locally in Vermont, Lake Placid, and Upstate New York.
Using world class mingling close-up magic and mentalism, Alyx helps wedding guests to feel connected to each other and engaged with the evening that couples work so hard to plan.
With 1000's of shows worth of real-world experience, Alyx brings expertise that allows her to elevate the energy in the room without disrupting the flow of your evening or overpowering your special day.
That experience also makes Alyx one of the easiest vendors to work with. From communication to timing to guest interaction, the entire experience is designed to feel smooth, low-pressure, and turnkey for couples and planners alike.
Some couples are a little intimidated when they find out about Alyx's TV credits or international client list. But local weddings in Vermont, Lake Placid and Upstate NY are priced very differently than large corporate events or performances that require cross country flights. In practice, wedding magic is often one of the most memorable parts of the evening while representing a relatively small portion of the overall wedding budget.
There's more info below including an FAQ, but feel free to reach out to Alyx for a no obligation proposal.
Vermont & Lake Placid Wedding & Cocktail Hour Magic that Helps Guests Feel Connected and Conversational
Alyx Hilshey is a Wedding Reception Magician Who Creates Seamless Flow Between Ceremony and Reception in Vermont, Lake Placid, and Upstate NY.
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This is Interactive, High-End Close-Up Magic for All Ages and Mixed Guest Lists
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Alyx is Professional, Insured, & Venue-Friendly
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Flexible Timing for Mountain/Outdoor Timelines and Weather Plans
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Alyx is Perfect for Small Intimate Weddings to 300-Guest Coverage
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An LGBT Safe and Friendly Option 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
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Seamless Wedding Reception Flow: I coordinate with your planner and Band or DJ to perform at the right moments including your cocktail hour extending to the meal and selectively after the meal. And never during meals, toasts, special dances, or cake cutting.
Areas I serve: I perform as a wedding magician throughout Vermont, the Adirondacks, including Stowe, Burlington, Woodstock, Shelburne, Jay Peak, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. Having a wedding outside of this area? No problem. I also travel nationwide and internationally.
- Rick C. - Burlington, Vermont Wedding Client
Simply fantastic! Alyx's engaging style of strolling magic was an immediate hit with our wedding guests. "Where did you find the magician?" was the question of the evening - and deservedly so. A singularly wonderful part of our evening. Hire this amazing artist!
Why A Wedding Magician Works?
Guests often don’t know each other at weddings. Sometimes the early moments of a reception can feel awkward. An experienced wedding magician naturally breaks the ice for your guests, making everyone feel connected and conversational. Plus, a wedding magician keeps energy high in the event of delays or anytime a problem arrises (e.g. if photos take longer than expected or the caterer is running behind).
A Lake Placid Summer Wedding
Magic Case Study
Location: Lake Placid, NY (Adirondacks)
Number of Guests: 48
Venue Type: Large Private Mountain Estate
Booked By: Mother of Groom
Outcome in Clients Words: "We were so grateful that Alyx Hilshey was available on our wedding date! Her performances were the icing on the cake at our celebration. Our guests were so impressed and entertained...and are still talking about it. Alyx was a consummate professional and even helped us arrange a seamless flow from the ceremony, bagpipers, dinner, casino night and her performance. Her advice was spot on! Communication online and by phone was excellent throughout the planning stage. "Amazing," accurately describes her talent as a magician not to mention her charismatic, engaging personality. 10 stars!" - Ginny F.
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What does a wedding magician do? A wedding magician is a professional entertainer who performs interactive close-up magic for guests during cocktail hour and reception transitions, creating natural conversation and memorable shared experiences.
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What does Cocktail Hour Magic look like? This is interactive, close-up entertainment that happens in your guests’ hands. I circulate to small groups, creating laughter, conversation, and instant connection again and again, throughout the room. This is the best ice breaker and it's perfect for Vermont and Lake Placid wedding receptions.
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Is it only for the cocktail hour? No. Except for very small weddings, I stay for the reception. I perform during natural transition moments. When the wedding party is taking photos, I'll be performing with your guests. I'm performing until the meal is served, between courses, and at natural moments after the meal. Never during toasts, special dances, or cake cutting. This keeps energy high and your timeline running smoothly without interrupting your key moments.
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How does this help reception flow? I coordinate with your planner, DJ/Band, catering to fill lulls and bridge the ceremony-to-dinner gap. Guests feel welcomed and engaged, which reduces crowding at bars, eases photo delays, and keeps the evening moving.
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What does the performance look like? World-class close-up magic with clean, modern presentation. I currently perform in the world's premiere close-up magic touring show (The Magician's Table), I have a Master's Degree in Magic from the world's oldest, most exclusive invitation only close-up magic organization, and I perform close-up magic at the nation's hottest magic venue's including The Magic Castle and the Chicago Magic Lounge (a speak easy theater, in which you enter through a laundromat). Think intimate miracles for small clusters of guests across cocktail hour and throughout the reception at tables and mingling areas.
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Will this work for our guest mix and venue? Yes. It’s tailored for intimate gatherings and receptions up to ~300. My magic works for all ages and demographics. I’m venue-friendly (barns, resorts, lakeside inns, private estates), fully insured, and experienced with Stowe, Burlington, Shelburne Farms, Woodstock, Jay Peak, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake venues.
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How long do you stay? Typical coverage is 2–4 hours, spanning cocktail hour into the reception, so the entire evening feels cohesive, memorable, and effortless for you.
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How much does a wedding magician cost? Some wedding magicians cost between $500-$800. Higher end options cost between $1000-$2000. When working locally, my wedding rate ranges from $1250 - $1750 depending on distance and seasonal demand. Note: pricing may be higher for out of area weddings or when weddings are booked more than 9 months in advance.
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Why is Alyx’s wedding rate higher than some local options? Because couples hire me for outcomes: effortless reception flow, guest engagement on demand, and zero timeline stress. I coordinate with your planner/DJ, perform at the right moments (and never during meals, toasts, special dances, or cake cutting), and protect the vibe so you can spend more time relaxing at your reception. My wedding rate reflects that peace-of-mind delivery, while still being significantly lower than my corporate rate. If your budget is tight, still reach out, because sometimes I can offer promotional pricing in exchange for allowing me to bring my own videographer or I’m happy to point you to local options that fit.
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Why add a Vermont/Lake Placid wedding magician? People buy solutions to solve problems. I solve the problem of party awkwardness when guests are getting to know each other. Plus, sometimes there's "dead air" at weddings. Imagine if photos take longer than expected. Or maybe the small mountain catering company is delayed. I make those mishaps go completely unnoticed by fueling conversation for mixed guest lists, and deliver a uniquely local, high-end experience.
ABOUT ALYX
Alyx Hilshey works nationally and internationally. She has performed in Canada, Costa Rica, England, & Sweden. She performs at Hollywood's famous Magic Castle, was featured on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and is a cast member of the touring show, The Magician's Table, US.
In 2026, because of her elite close-up magic skills and fun entertainment style, she was hired by TED to perform repeated close-up magic shows for attendees at the five day 2026 TED: All In conference.
When she is not performing for companies and private events throughout the country and world, she specializes in Wedding Cocktail Hour Magic locally. She lives in the Adirondacks with her family and provides Wedding Magic throughout Vermont and the Adirondacks.
She lives in the Adirondacks and loves taking her kids to sunny Lakes and Rivers or on hikes throughout the ADKs and Green Mountains.
