MEGHAN AND TOM
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 are 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.
here is your current thinking:
Guest Count: Approximately 60 guests.
Date: December 2027?
Location: A venue that offers:
proximity to Mangawhai and Kaitaia
BYO food and alcohol
relaxed, intimate vibes for a good party with family and friends without too many time constraints
semi-formal sit down dinner with speeches, family style
Catering: Great food is important - Amaranto?
Entertainment: DJ friend for dancing
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 10x21m 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
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 service team working quietly behind the scenes to bring everything together, under the guidance of your wedding coordinator. 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 beautiful celebration spaces
1 day Songbird Cottage Bridal Suite
1 night Songbird Cottage Bridesmaids before or Wedding Night after (can be extended)
Clear Marquee Elegant clear-roof marquee with lighting
Ceremony Furniture Ceremony arch, plinths, signing table and chair
Equipment Sound system at ceremony and reception
Cocktail Furniture 4 bar leaners with umbrellas, 16 stools
Reception Furniture Tables and chairs for 100 (you may hire additional for up to 150 guests)
Dance Floor 30m2 Songbird Retreat Dance floor
2 Lawn Games Scattle and Tumbling Tower
BYO drinks Full freedom; no corkage
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
Chiller Trailer if in peak season
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 Must be selected from our partner list
Full table setting (often offered by caterers), styling, and florals
Chiller Trailer, unless your wedding is in peak season
Beverages, bar staff (often offered by caterers), Some Kind of Wonderful or bar staff
Shuttle transport or guest transfers
We’re here to help you bring it all together!
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.”
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!