erin and james

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: 70-80 guests - midweek could be a possibility to keep costs down

  • Date: February or March 2027, possibly a week day

  • Location: A venue that offers:

    • a beautiful garden setting where the reception and ceremony happen at the one place, a place for family and friends (including some from Ireland) to enjoy a relaxed time of celebrations together.

    • feeling of beauty and relaxed hospitality

    • manicured garden coastal location. casual garden party affair

    • nice food, nice drinks, bit of music

    • feels quintessentially you!

  • Overall Budget: around $30,000

  • Catering: Here are some options. We also spoke about Catroux Catering

  • Entertainment: You would like Lawn Games alongside the cocktail furniture on the cocktail lawn- Songbird Retreat can supply two games. You would also like some dancing and have several friends who can DJ. Here are some other options for DJs and bands

  • Wedding Coordinator, DJ, MC and celebrant: Beats and Mics have an incredible offer in which they provide all these services for $1975. Here is more about Raoul from Beats and Mics. Our other wedding coordinators start from $2000 and are all experienced and lovely and we can also provide recommendations for celebrants.

  • 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. I can also connect you with an experienced videographer who is starting out in weddings.

  • Drinks: BYO Possibly Some Kind of Wonderful?

  • 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:

  • We began to work on a possible budget to get you started. Here is our Erin Budget spreadsheet. I hope you find it useful

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!

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.

A classic car and driver for hire

$300 for the first hour, $30 per 15 minutes after that.

Contact Phil Parkes (Songbird Retreat’s neighbour):

0272838249 or ppkk@mac.com

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