PARE AND DONNA

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.

you are welcome here!

ready to start

planning your special day?

YOU’VE ALREADY STARTED!

here is your current thinking:

  • Guest Count: Approximately 100-150 guests.

  • Date: January 10

  • Location: A venue that offers:

    • a beautiful garden venue that reflects NZ flora and bird life and your love of the outdoors

    • the ability to design your own wedding, choose your own caterers

  • Theme: Classy decor with a silver theme

  • Ceremony: Donna plans on playing her saxophone as Pare walks down the aisle to her

  • Entertainment: Eventful, something always happening, staging for the band and dance floor in front of the band

  • Photography/Videography: 2 photographers and videographers, going live to followers on social media; 360 photo stage

it sounds as though songbird retreat could be perfect for you!

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, including 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.

EXPLORE OUR PACKAGES

Songbird Retreat is an exclusive boutique venue, purpose-built for marquee weddings at which you can bring to life the wedding of your dreams!

Explore our tailored packages below to discover the perfect fit for your special day.

  • Effortless Elegance

    Exclusive 2-Day Venue Hire, plus:

    Clear Roof Marquee adorned with fairy lights.

    Furniture and Equipment:

    up to 100 chairs.

    Four plinths, signing table, and chair.

    Ceremony arch.

    Tables for up to 100 guests

    PA system.

    On-the-Day Coordination: A dedicated coordinator to ensure seamless event execution.

    Staffing Services: professional staff for setup, breakdown, and table service.

    2026 Jan-Apr Weekend $14,995 ($13,995 current special)

  • Add-on Packages

    Songbird Cottage: 1 -2 day hire of bridal preparation suite and honeymoon suite, complete with a bottle of bubbles and an outdoor bath for two.

    $795 per day

    Cocktail Furniture and Dance Floor

    4 bar leaners

    4 umbrellas

    16 bar stools

    dance floor

    $999

    Lawn Games

    Scattle

    Jenga

    $99

    Additional Day Venue Hire

    $595 per day

Rachel and Adam Sommerville, February 2025

“The moment we saw the beautiful landscaping, gardens in full bloom, and the simplicity of the space, we knew it was the one.”

EXPERIENCEXPERIENCE 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.E RACHEL 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