lexi and matt
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: Private Elopement
Date: 30/10/26
Location: A venue that offers:
natural, intimate open-air setting that is dog-friendly
a beautiful garden with a beautiful marquee if it is wet
onsite accommodation that welcomes your dogs
something easy and low fuss
Details:
a ceremony time of around 5:00pm for 20-30 minutes to align with golden hour
sunset on that date is approximately 7:39pm, allowing time for photos at the beach and waterfall afterwards
Lulu and Tuk Tuk will be part of the day
preferred ceremony location is the main spot near the weeping willow tree, with the couple walking up the stairs
no arch required; prefer the natural setting rather than traditional wedding props
speakers to be used for a processional song, a recessional song after the kiss, and a playlist during photos
Dog trainer Erica to be present to manage the dogs during the ceremony
- Dogs to be kept to the side during the ceremony, then released to the couple after the kiss
- Dog-friendly treats discussed, including a grazing board and dog-friendly cupcakes with peanut butter and banana
- Floral collars for Lulu and a buttonhole for Tuk Tuk discussed with the florist
Pricing and Investment Guide
YOUR DOG-WELCOMING ALL-INCLUSIVE ELOPEMENT experience
$3200, valued at $6995
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.
Including
Venue and necessary furniture
1 night Songbird Cottage
Wedding Coordinator
Celebrant
Photographer
Celebrant
Hair
Makeup
Flowers
Bubbles and glasses
Platter of nibbles
Dog-friendly cupcakes and Bowls of broth
TO MAKE THIS PACKAGE POSSIBLE:
You’ll provide
a videographer to professionally capture the day and Songbird experience
Multiple dedicated reels/videos showcasing Songbird, the cottage and the dog-friendly elopement experience (please can you give us all videos of the venue cottage and and ceremony)
Organic wedding content across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Songbird tagged and featured throughout your wedding content, both on the day and ongoing afterwards
Exposure across your 2.4M+ community and 150M+ monthly views
Showcase of Songbird to your NZ audience as a genuinely dog-friendly wedding/elopement venue
Showcase Songbird to your international audience as a beautiful New Zealand destination elopement
Photo and video content from the day that Songbird can also share across its own channels
Testimonial
Google Review with photos
VENDORS IN THIS PACKAGE
Wedding Coordinator: Alex Tofield
Catering, Bubbles and Glasses: Alex Tofield
Lulu and TukTuk Treats: Alex Tofield
Florist: Anna at Where Rosemary Grows (Buttonhole + Bridal bouquet)
Hair and Makeup: Cindy at Pure Makeup
Photographer: Kate Little Photography (Two hours)
Celebrant: Wendy Douglas
Upgrades on the above requirements and any additional pricing may be discussed with the vendor
Making Songbird Yours: BOOKING AND PAYMENT DETAILS
Your Investment: $3200 incl GST, usually $6400
Inclusions: Marquee if wet, Furniture, Equipment, Songbird Cottage 24 hours
Possible Upgrades: Songbird Cottage (an additional $595)
Deposit: full payment required to reserve the date
Refundable Bond: $200 refunded soon after if no damage to the cottage
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!