hayley and tim

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 70-80 guests

  • Date: March 2027 or November 2027

  • Location: A venue that offers:

    • natural, open-air garden party setting for approximately 80 guests

    • elegant, simple, modern

    • a beautiful setting for ceremony and for a great time dancing

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 Triangle or rectangle ceremony arches, plinths, signing table and chair

Equipment Sound system at ceremony and reception

Reception Furniture Tables and chairs for 100 (more can be hired)

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

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 to be selected from our recommended list($1900+GST-$3000)

  • 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

  • Chiller Trailer - we recommend Fridgy Rentals (approx $400) -book by May 10 and we will include in your package

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

A FEW STARTER VENDORS

These vendors do a lovely job within very reasonable budgets.

Wedding Coordinator: I recommend you speak with Alex Tofield and Samantha Letham

Celebrant:Sophie Morris is very reasonably priced and lovely

Catering: Catroux Cafe Together Cafe Homestyle Catering NZ (Omaha-based)

Entertainment: MixItDJ do DJ and sax, or I can recommend a local DJ you could talk with

Photographer: Kate Little Photography or John Donaldson Photography

Flowers: Where Rosemary Grows, Orchard Lane Florals

SOME EXTRA INSPO AND INFO!

  • “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

Songbird Cottage

Your Perfect Bridal Preparation and Honeymoon Retreat

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

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!