BETH AND ELLIOTT

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: Approximately 100+ guests

  • Date: January to April 2028

  • Location: A venue that offers:

    • natural, open-air setting for approximately 80+ guests

    • a beautiful private garden - a touch of NZ - in the Matakana area that has not been experienced by your friends at previous weddings

    • a venue in which you can all relax and enjoy the feeling of celebrating with your friends and family

    • flexibility so that you can personalise it, have close family with dietary requirements, allow keen bakers in the family to arrange desserts, and have the ability to bring in your own drinks.

    • menu options that aren’t extravagant, are like the Christmas dinners you miss and have salmon, lamb, chicken and salads.

    • will allow you to bring in 3-4 person band so that your guests - family and overseas guests included - have the best memories of celebrating together.

Pricing and Investment Guide

Venue experience –

$14,995 weekend

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

You’ll have the grounds exclusively for three days, a beautiful marquee beneath the stars and essential furniture to bring it all together. It’s the foundation for a wedding that feels as meaningful as your love story.

If you book before Sunday 7 June, I will include an extra night in Songbird Cottage for you on your wedding night.

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 3-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 sound system at ceremony and reception

Reception Furniture Tables and chairs for 100

Cocktail furniture 4 bar leaners, 4 umbrellas, 16 stools

Songbird Dance floor ‍ ‍30m2

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

Chiller Trailer

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

Support and Checklists

Songbird Cottage. 24 hours (an extra night if you book before June 7)

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 Must be selected from our partner list

  • 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

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!

UPON BOOKING, THESE links WILL ALL BE MADE LIVE

Outline of a flying bird in flight.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors. The bride and groom stand on a platform facing each other, with officiant and bridesmaids behind them, while groomsmen stand to the right. Guests sit on white chairs on either side of the aisle, watching the ceremony.
Outline drawing of a hydrangea flower with leaves and a long stem.
  • Item description
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  • Click here for Real Weddings

    Click here for Songbird Inspiration

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  • Email hello@songbirdretreat.co.nz with your needs and we will connect you with a local ECE trained babysitter.

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  • At Songbird Retreat, rain never spoils the magic.Click here to learn more

  • Click here for full details!

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KIND WORDS

What an amazing venue! Helen and Dean made the process very easy. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a stunning outdoor venue whether it’s a small wedding like ours or a large event!
— Porsche Mcintosh, 2025
I can’t recommend this venue enough! The owners, Helen and Dean, are honestly the loveliest people to deal with and go above and beyond to make sure your day is perfect -even with a cyclone looming!
We had so many compliments from our guests about how stunning the venue is.
— Jade Mathews, 2026
Helen, our host, was incredible to work with. She bent over backwards to help make our day amazing. Communication was responsive and all the small details were taken care of for us.
— Shaan Eru, 2025
We fell in love the second we arrived as we drove through the trees to this stunning peaceful plot of land, everything about it just sets the most beautiful spot for any wedding. The whole day just could not have gone more smoothly and perfectly. We can’t recommend Songbird Retreat highly enough.
— Asher Shaffett, 2026

View some short video clips above

YOUR NEXT STEP

complete the BOOKING FORM

Click below to read and sign your wedding agreement:

➡️Complete the Booking Form form here (this does not obligate you yet but starts the ball rolling)

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