shannen AND ted
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 100+ guests
Date: February 2027 or 2028?
Location: A venue that offers:
natural, open-air setting for approximately 100+ guests
a beautiful garden with a beautiful marquee
a venue in which you can all relax and enjoy the feeling of celebrating with our friends and family
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 professional team working quietly behind the scenes to bring everything together. 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 beautifully lit ceremony spaces
Clear Marquee Elegant clear-roof marquee with lighting
Ceremony Furniture Ceremony arch, plinths, signing table and chair
Equipment sound system at ceremony and reception
Reception Furniture Tables and chairs for 100
Cocktail furniture 4 bar leaners, 4 umbrellas, 16 stools
Songbird Dance floor 30m2
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
Chiller Trailer
Service Team Set up, support to make the day flow, and pack-down
Support and Checklists
Songbird Cottage. 24 hours (an extra night if you book before June 14)
A FEW STARTER VENDORS
Wedding Coordinator: I recommend you speak with Alex Tofield, one of our Songbird Wedding Coordinators. As she is local to the region, she comes to rehearsals. She would help you develop a seamless timeline, coordinate your vendors and coordinate everything for you on the day, along with our service team.
Catering: Little Wolf Catering Whisk Catering Source Kitchen The Great Catering Company Amaranto Italian (These are all familiar with Songbird Retreat)
Bar: Alfie the Caravan Bar or Some Kind of Wonderful or the caterers can arrange, or you can hire a bar and glasses and a bar manager
Entertainment: MixItDJ
In the wedding planning portal below, I have added the full Recommended Vendor List and also put a more targeted list in the PreWedding Checklist
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
Beverages, bar staff (often offered by caterers), or external caterers
Shuttle transport or guest transfers
We’re here to help you bring it all together!
YOUR PLANNING IS ALL GOING TO BE WORTH IT!
AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE WEDDING PLANNING PORTAL IS HERE TO HELP GUIDE YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!
almost all you need is here!
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Click here for Real Weddings
Click here for Songbird Inspiration
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Please enquire about your needs. We will do our best to share one of the wonderful people we trust with our own grandchildren! Just email helen@songbirdretreat.co.nz with your needs.
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At Songbird Retreat, rain never spoils the magic. Click here to learn more
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A classic car and driver for hire
$300 for the first hour, $30 per 15 minutes after that.
Contact Phil Parkes (Songbird Retreat’s neighbour):
0272838249 or ppkk@mac.com
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“The most beautiful venue, it exceeded every Pinterest board idea and dream we had talked about!!”
Chloe Senn
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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
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“We recently had the pleasure of hosting our wedding at Songbird Retreat, and I cannot recommend this venue enough.”
Toni Love
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“...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
Songbird Cottage
Your Perfect Bridal Preparation and Honeymoon Retreat
View some short video clips above
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!