kelly and william

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 10-20 guests
Date: to be decided but during a school holiday
Location: A venue that offers:
- natural, intimate open-air setting
- a beautiful garden with a beautiful marquee if it is wet
- onsite accommodation and local accommodation options
- something easy

HERE IS A PROPOSAL

Night 1. - arrive at local accommodation.

The first home is in Pakiri - available to Songbird friends and is not on AirBnb. It could possibly accommodate you all

Day 2. -enjoy local surrounds; rehearsal if you'd like to

Day 3 -kids and grandparents together

-William and friends visit Sawmill Brewery, Tawharanui Peninsula, Rusty Pelican Sports Bar, a Golf course etc

-You and a friend or two have your hair and makeup done at Songbird Cottage - maybe a massage?

-depending on the season, ceremony at 2pm? followed by canapes or grazing board and drinks; children play

-dinner at Farmers Daughter or Jin Jin or Sawmill Brewery (may be more child-friendly)

-children to accommodation with grandparents

-William and Kelly back to Songbird Cottage - outdoor bath under the stars with a glass of wine

Day 4. -wake up at Songbird and enjoy a slow morning. If a Saturday meet kids and parents at Matakana Markets.

- Lunch together. Beach...etc etc

I CAN CONNECT YOU WITH

hair and makeup artist
local florist who grows her own flowers
celebrant
photographer
coordinator

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Pricing and Investment Guide

Venue experience –

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, essential furniture to bring it all together and connections and support to make it happen. It’s the foundation for a wedding that feels as meaningful as your love story.

Elopements from $1,995.

midweek weddings from $5,995

Our elopement package is for up to 10 guests
Our mid week package is for 11-50 guests. Depending on the date, I may be able to give you midweek pricing for a weekend wedding.
Songbird Cottage $595 per night
Wedding coordination fees if needed @$100 per hour

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!”

— Porsche Mcintosh, 2025

“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.”

— Jade Mathews, 2026

“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.”

— Shaan Eru, 2025

“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.”

— Asher Shaffett, 2026