MEGAN AND JOSH

At Songbird Retreat, we don’t just host weddings. We set the stage for your most cherished memories.

Hi! we are dean and helen.

We would be excited to share our beautiful gardens for your memorable day and we want to make your planning as easy and exciting and fun as possible for you to celebrate your love and commitment in arguably the most beautiful marquee garden wedding venue around: Songbird Retreat.

you are welcome here!

ready to start

planning your special day?

YOU’VE ALREADY STARTED!

Umbrellas, table leaners and stools are now part of our Songbird Retreat package

Additional furniture like wooden tables or couches like this can be hired from Willow Lane if you wish.

here is your current thinking:

  • Guest Count: Approximately 50-60 guests.

  • Date: November 2026

  • Location: A venue that offers:

    • a natural, rustic relaxed and non-commercial vibe

    • privacy

    • an outside ceremony, in nature

    • stunning garden views with indoor and outdoor flow

    • the atmosphere that comes from a clear marquee and lots of fairy lights

    • BYO opportunity

    • a wedding coordinator and assistants so you don’t have to worry about a lot in the week before or on the day

  • Vibe -Semi-formal, seated dining, dancing. Check out some inspiration here

  • Catering: flexible but interested in Amaranto - check out their wedding menu here (third caterer down the list) - canapes and drinks on the Cocktail Lawn followed by dinner served table by table or family style?

  • Drinks: Bubbles after the ceremony, bubbles to toast, Beer and wine 

    Possibly Some Kind of Wonderful?

  • Entertainment: DJ and Spotify (we have speakers and compatible system for your playlist).

  • The Weekend: you will have friends and family staying - and family will make a weekend out of it. There is lots for them to do and plenty of good accommodation options

  • Songbird Cottage: 1-2 days/nights?

SONGBIRD RETREAT OFFERS YOU:

A Venue that Resonates with Your Vision

At Songbird Retreat, we offer a picturesque 4.5-acre property in Matheson Bay, Matakana, featuring lush terraced lawns and meticulously landscaped gardens.

Exclusivity and Privacy

We host only one event at a time, ensuring your wedding is intimate and exclusively yours.

Flexibility to Personalise Your Day

Our venue allows you to customise every aspect of your event, from selecting your preferred marquee and furniture to choosing your own caterers. Our versatile spaces accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.

Seamless Planning with Comprehensive Packages

Our Songbird Package includes a clear roof marquee adorned with fairy lights, essential furniture, and a dedicated service team, simplifying the planning process. Additionally, our on-site Songbird Cottage offers luxurious accommodation, serving as a perfect bridal suite or honeymoon retreat.

Cost-Effective BYO Options

We offer a BYO beverage policy with no corkage fees, providing significant cost savings and allowing you to select beverages that suit your taste.

Timeless Elegance in Every Detail

Our meticulously maintained gardens, featuring lily ponds, rose arbors, and native bush, create an elegant setting that serves as a blank canvas for your unique style.

We welcome you to explore the possibilities that Songbird Retreat offers and look forward to assisting you in creating a wedding that is as extraordinary as your love story.

Pricing and Investment Guide

Prefer a Midweek Wedding?

We offer special pricing starting from $11,995 for select midweek or off-peak dates — ideal for couples seeking flexibility, privacy, and more vendor availability.

Core Venue experience – $12,995

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 $12,995, you’ll have the grounds exclusively for two days, a beautiful marquee with fairy lights beneath the stars, elegant furniture, and a professional coordinator to bring it all together. It’s the foundation for a wedding that feels as meaningful as your love story.

Available for select 2025–2026 weekends and early 2027 bookings made before October 31.

Included in the hire:

  • Exclusive use of Songbird Retreat for two full days

  • A stunning clear roof marquee with fairy lights, on the Grand Lawn

  • Ceremony & reception furniture including dining tables, chairs, bar leaners & umbrellas

  • Dance Floor

  • BYO drinks freedom – no corkage or bar fees

  • Professional on-the-day coordinator and service team to guide your celebration smoothly

  • Luxury toilet trailer

  • Full access to lush gardens, styling spaces, and a nearby beach (2 mins away)

  • Recommendations for caterers with menus ranging between $90 - $180+ per head

Popular Upgrades (Optional):

  • Luxury cottage for getting ready and/or wedding night stay ($795 per night)

  • Extended access hours or additional days (POA)

  • Offsite bridal party accommodation (up to 10 guests): pricing here

  • Wedding planner (POA)

  • Enhanced marquee styling (POA)

  • Curated vendor packages (POA)

Learn about HOW TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING

Click on the pluses below to find additional details:

EXPERIENCE RACHEL AND ADAM’S WEDDING

Rachel and Adam brought so much heart, laughter, and beauty to their celebration at Songbird Retreat. From golden light across the gardens to a ceremony filled with joyful tears, every moment was a reflection of their love story — intimate, elegant, and entirely their own. Here's a little glimpse of the magic that unfolded in the gardens of Songbird Retreat.

  • “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