alex AND tom

At Songbird Retreat, we don’t just host weddings. We set the stage for your most cherished memories.

You’re not just planning a wedding — you’re crafting an experience.
One that reflects who you are, what you value, and how you want your guests to feel from the moment they arrive.

here is your INITIAL thinking:

Guest Count: around 100 guests
Date: December 5 or 12 2026?
Location: A venue that offers:
- a beautiful relaxed outdoor feel where family and friends feel at home
- gardens in which the whole event can happen over a weekend
- the ability to create a special personalised event and to choose music and alcohol in particular

Pricing and Investment Guide

Core Venue experience – $17,995*

Couples come to Songbird Retreat because they don’t want just a venue — they want a space that feels intimate, unhurried, and truly theirs.

For $17,995, you’ll have the grounds for two full days, a beautiful marquee beneath the stars and essential furniture. It’s the foundation for a wedding that feels as meaningful as your love story.

What's IncludeD

Every detail at Songbird Retreat is designed to let you feel fully present on your wedding day — unrushed, deeply connected, and beautifully supported. From the moment you arrive, you'll have the time and space to breathe, surrounded by nature in full bloom and a setting that feels like your own private estate. We've thought through the logistics so you don’t have to — with elegant spaces, thoughtful amenities, and a professional team working quietly behind the scenes to bring everything together. Below is a reminder of what’s included in your venue hire — not just items, but everything you need to create a wedding that flows effortlessly and feels unmistakably you.

Exclusive Venue Hire Full 2-day and private access to beautifully lit ceremony spaces

Clear Marquee Elegant clear-roof marquee with lighting

Ceremony Furniture Ceremony arch, plinths, signing table and chair

Equipment PA system at ceremony and reception

Reception Furniture Tables and chairs for 100

BYO drinks Full freedom; no corkage

Comfortable facilities Luxury toilet trailer

Efficiency Purpose-designed plinths with electricity and water for vendors

Wedding Planning Portal Guidance on all matters related to planning your wedding

Wedding Coordinator Professional on-the-day support from setup to final send-off

Service Team Set up, support to make the day flow, and pack-down

Checklists and Timelines

The above, if marquee and furniture etc was hired externally is valued at over $20,000.

For couples who want to build on this foundation with their own personal style, we offer flexibility to choose the additional elements that bring your vision to life.

The following items are not part of the standard hire — but can easily be added or arranged through our recommended vendors:

Cocktail Furniture and Dance floor- 4 Songbird Retreat bar leaners with umbrellas, 16 stools and 30m2 Songbird Retreat Dance floor if desired (valued at $1100)
Overnight stay in the Songbird Cottage (perfect for a relaxed start or romantic wind-down) (usually $795 per day/night, for two or more nights we can do a reduced price)
Full table setting (often offered by caterers), styling, and florals
Beverages, bar staff (often offered by caterers), or external caterers
Songbird arranged Chiller trailer (approx $500)
Shuttle transport or guest transfers

We’re here to help you bring it all together!

here ARE SOME VENDOR OPTIONS THAT I THINK COULD BE OF INTEREST TO YOU:

Catering: some really nice informal buffet options include: Catroux ($35 per head) and this local caterer (Yes she can provide oysters). Other beautiful menu and caterer options are listed here
Photographer: John Donaldson Photography (if you are wanting to spend less on a photographer and more on other things, John is starting out in weddings and happy to be negotiable on pricing. Photos recently taken at Songbird here.) If you are wanting an elevated candid style, I would recommend Perspectives who like to “capture the RAW & REAL moment happening in front of (them)..”
Entertainment: We provide a dance floor and speakers for Spotify. Here are some musical options we recommend.
Drinks: BYO - great opportunity for personalisation. We recommend Some Kind of Wonderful
Florist: Orchard Lane Florals is a lovely florist who grows her own flowers in Mangawhai.
Hair and Makeup: Cindy from Pure Makeup is local and does both hair and makeup at Songbird Cottage to make it easy and relaxed.
Accommodation: Details of options for your friends and family to consider here.
Songbird Cottage: 1-2 days/nights for bridal suite and/or wedding night
Other vendors are listed here

“The most beautiful venue, it exceeded every Pinterest board idea and dream we had talked about!!”
Chloe Senn
It was the perfect canvas for our day, and we couldn’t be happier. Helen and Dean, the new owners, were excellent communicators—passionate, attentive, and genuinely excited to share their venue with us.
Rachel Sommerville
“We recently had the pleasure of hosting our wedding at Songbird Retreat, and I cannot recommend this venue enough.”
Toni Love
“...while it felt like you were getting married in a family friend’s perfect backyard, the practical details were all taken care of in a way that made the day seamless. ”
Helen Chen