caitlin and jacob

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: December 18, 2017
Location: A venue that offers:
- natural, open-air setting for approximately 100 guests
- a beautiful garden with a beautiful marquee
- a venue in which you can all relax and enjoy the feeling of celebrating with our friends and family
- proximity to Whangaparaoa
- ability to host the ceremony, cocktails and canapes, and dinner and dancing in the same venue

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.

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

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
Chiller Trailer
Shuttle transport or guest transfers

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

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!

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.

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Please enquire about your needs. We will do our best to share one of the wonderful people we trust with our own grandchildren! Just email helen@songbirdretreat.co.nz with your needs.
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At Songbird Retreat, rain never spoils the magic. Click here to learn more
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“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