aurelia and ricky

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: less than 50 guests

  • Date: October or November 2026 - midweek to reduce pricing?

  • Location: A venue that offers:

    • a beautiful garden setting where the reception and ceremony happen at the one place

    • nice warmth, natural outdoors but also indoors

  • Overall Budget: around $25,000. This is a very tight budget, but the following caterers can help you keep within your budget so you can prioritise a beautiful venue and then choose what areas you would like to increase your spend.

  • Catering: Here are options for caterers who will help you keep under budget: Catroux Catering. Homestyle Catering NZ Other caterers can be found here

  • Beverages: BYO keeps the pricing down. See here for tips

  • Entertainment: You may like Lawn Games alongside the cocktail furniture on the cocktail lawn- Songbird Retreat can supply two games. You would also like some dancing and may be interested in beats and mics offer of $1975 including celebrant, MC, DJ and coordinator. Here are some other options for DJs and bands

  • Flowers: You like a fairly relaxed style. Here is the link for Orchard Lane Florals

  • Photography: John Donaldson is starting out in weddings and has very competitive pricing. There are other options here

  • Accommodation for guests: Details of options to consider here.

  • Songbird Cottage: 1-2 days/nights for bridal suite and/or wedding night

    Some Other Ideas to Consider:

  • Drinks: BYO Possibly Some Kind of Wonderful?

  • We began to work on a possible budget to get you started. Here is our Aurelia and Ricky spreadsheet. I hope you are finding it useful.

Pricing and Investment Guide

YOUR SONGBIRD experience –

$14,995

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 $14,995, you’ll have the grounds exclusively for two days, a beautiful marquee beneath the stars, furniture, sound system and dance floor, and a nights accommodation in our luxury cottage. 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 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

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

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

Freedom to choose your wedding coordinator from our recommended vendor list and your caterer and bar service to suit your tastes, preferences and budget.

The following are usually additional, but these are now part of your package

  • One day stay in the Songbird Cottage (perfect for a relaxed start or romantic wind-down) (valued at $795 per day/night)

  • Songbird Cocktail furniture - 4 bar leaners, 4 umbrellas, 16 stools (valued at $500)

  • Songbird Dance floor - (valued at $999)

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:

  • Wedding coordinator: (approx $1-3000)

  • Songbird arranged Chiller trailer (approx $500)

  • Full table setting (often offered by caterers), styling, and florals

  • Beverages, bar staff (often offered by caterers), or external caterers

  • Shuttle transport or guest transfers

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

  • “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

EXPERIENCE RACHEL AND ADAM’S WEDDING

Rachel and Adam brought so much heart, laughter, and beauty to their celebration at Songbird Retreat. From golden light across the gardens to a ceremony filled with joyful tears, every moment was a reflection of their love story — intimate, elegant, and entirely their own. Here's a little glimpse of the magic that unfolded in the gardens of Songbird Retreat.

YOUR PLANNING IS ALL GOING TO BE WORTH IT!

AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE WEDDING PLANNING PORTAL IS HERE TO HELP GUIDE YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!

almost all you need is here!

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Secure Your Wedding Date at Songbird Retreat

You’re Almost There! We’d be thrilled to officially welcome you to Songbird Retreat! To secure your date, simply follow these steps:

1️⃣ Review & Sign Your Contract

Click below to read and sign your wedding agreement:

➡️ Sign Your Contract Here and we will respond with a quote, ensuring complete clarity, followed by an invoice

2️⃣ Pay Your Booking Deposit

To confirm your date, a deposit of 30% is required. Please arrange a bank transfer:

💳 Bank Transfer: (please transfer to account: 12 3119 0028549 00)

Once we receive your signed contract and deposit, your date is officially secured!

3️⃣ Next Steps

✔ You’ll receive a confirmation email with your booking details.

Need Help? If you have any questions before signing, just text or email—we’re happy to assist!

We can’t wait to celebrate your wedding at Songbird Retreat!