CARMEN Schuler
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 50 guests
Date: December 6 2026 or Saturday December 12 (our last free December Saturday if interested)
Location: A venue that offers:
natural, open-air setting for approximately 50 guests
a stunning garden setting with a beautiful marquee
can fit within your budget
Pricing and Investment Guide
Venue experience –
for a sunday afternoon wedding or for saturday december 12 - (just for you!)
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, a beautiful marquee 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 8 hour access to beautiful ceremony and celebration spaces
(just for you this could be extended for the 12th is you’d like this)
Clear Marquee Elegant clear-roof marquee
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
Support and Checklists
Songbird Cottage. Bridal suite 3 hours
Wedding Coordinator. Previously not part of the package
Chiller Trailer. Previously not part of the package
wHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
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:
Full table setting (often offered by caterers), styling, and florals
Bar, beverages, bar staff (often offered by caterers), or external caterers
Shuttle transport or guest transfers
Songbird Cottage $595 for the night
ways to HELP THE BUDGET WORK
Recommended vendors who may provide quality while stretching your budget
Catering: we suggest you consider
Catroux Catering (look at page 2 possibly $50 ph) or
Homestyle Catering NZ(from Omaha) can provide Mains at the following prices (2025 pricing)
$49 - $59 + GST per person (1 seafood, 2 vegetable dishes)
$75 - $83 + GST per person (2 seafood, 3 vegetable dishes)
$85 - $110 + GST per person (3 seafood, 4 vegetable dishes)
$120 - $165 + GST per person (4 seafood, 4 vegetable dishes)
Tablecloths: I can book these at a 10% reduced rate from Insphire ($19 per tablecloth in 2026) if you would like to collect and return
Plates and Cutlery: order and pick up from Carlton Hire, Warkworth or Insphire
Florists: Where Rosemary Grows. Orchard Lane Florals both grow their own flowers which reduces cost to you
Celebrant:Josh Sanford (ph 0273105981) or Sophie Morris are both lovely and well priced
Making Songbird Yours: BOOKING AND PAYMENT DETAILS
Your Investment: $6,995 incl GST
Inclusions: Marquee, Furniture, Luxury Facilities, Equipment
Additional Inclusions: Wedding Coordinator, Chiller trailer
Possible Upgrades: Songbird Cottage (see below)
Deposit: 50% on booking, 50% payable 3 months before event
Refundable Bond: $1000 payable 3 months before the event and refunded soon after
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You're just one simple step away from reserving your date.
Click below to complete your booking form and wedding agreement. This lets us begin preparing everything for your wedding and moves you one step closer to making Songbird Retreat yours.
➡️ Complete Your Booking Form & Wedding Agreement
Submitting the form doesn't lock you into anything immediately—it simply allows us to prepare your booking and guide you through the remaining steps.
We'd be honoured to celebrate your wedding with you.
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
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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
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Click here for full details!
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View some short video clips above
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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Songbird Cottage
Your Perfect Bridal Preparation and Honeymoon Retreat
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You're just one simple step away from reserving your date.
Click below to complete your booking form and wedding agreement. This lets us begin preparing everything for your wedding and moves you one step closer to making Songbird Retreat yours.
➡️ Complete Your Booking Form & Wedding Agreement
Submitting the form doesn't lock you into anything immediately—it simply allows us to prepare your booking and guide you through the remaining steps.
We'd be honoured to celebrate your wedding with you.