francesca and graeme
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 30-70 guests
Date: October or December 12 2026
Location: A venue that offers:
natural, open-air setting
a beautiful garden with a beautiful marquee with fairylights
a venue in which you can all relax and enjoy the feeling of celebrating with our friends and family
proximity to Hibiscus Coast
Pricing and Investment Guide
Venue experience –
Usually $14,995 - for you $9,995 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
Support and Checklists
Songbird Cottage. 24 hours
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
Wedding Coordinator (see below)
Full table setting (often offered by caterers), styling, and florals
Bar, beverages, bar staff (often offered by caterers), or external caterers
Chiller Trailer (see below)
Shuttle transport or guest transfers
We’re here to help you bring it all together!
ways to HELP THE BUDGET WORK
We will provide as part of your package:
Wedding Coordination- Valued as an additional cost - wedding coordinators start at $2200+: covering the day before + your wedding day
Chiller trailer (valued as an additional cost at $500+)
An extra night in Songbird Cottage (valued at $595)
Plus Planning advice: Up to 2 hours of wedding planning advice from Helen (valued at $200)
TO MAKE THIS PACKAGE POSSIBLE:
you’ll provide 2–3 trusted friends or family to assist with simple setup and pack-down tasks between early-afternoon and midnight on your wedding day. This allows us to focus professional support where it matters most while helping you keep your overall wedding budget under control.
RECOMMENDED VENDORS WHO MAY HELP STRETCH YOUR BUDGET:
Catering: Click here to see some great options - I think Whisk might suit you well. They will provide the food, the front of house and bar staff, the cutlery and tablecloths within a fixed price. If 30 guests this would be approximately $7,500, if 60 it would be $15000
Florists: Where Rosemary Grows Orchard Lane Florals grow their own flowers
Photographer and Videographer: Zedala Creations local and reasonably priced
Celebrant: Josh Sanford (ph 0273105981)
DJ and a sax option: can provide
A QUICK BUDGET TO MAKE IT REALLY EASY
Venue 3 days, clear roof marquee with fairy lights, tables and chairs for 100, 1 plinth, signing table and chair, cocktail furniture, sound system, dance floor, chiller trailer, Songbird Cottage Onsite Bridal suite and two nights in cottage, wedding coordination
Whisk Catering 30 people
BYO Drinks
Celebrant
Flowers
Photography and videography
Hair and Makeup
$9995 usually $14995 plus $2200 for coordinator
$4500 includes food, wait staff, bar staff, tablecloths, set up and pack down
? use this link as a calculator for your drinks needs
$700 may be cheaper if your minister
$1320 bride groom plinth 3 bridesmaids (simpler would be cheaper)
$5600 photography only is cheaper
$960 friends doing makeup is cheaper
$23,075
Making Songbird Yours: BOOKING AND PAYMENT DETAILS
Your Investment: $9,995 incl GST
Inclusions: Marquee, Furniture, Luxury Facilities, Equipment
Additional Inclusions: Wedding coordinator, Chiller trailer, extra night at Songbird Cottage
Deposit: 50% on booking, 50% payable 3 months before event
Refundable Bond: $1000 payable 3 months before the event and refunded soon after
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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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
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!