Wedding Inspiration at Songbird Retreat

Your Boutique Auckland Wedding Venue in Matakana

Every wedding at Songbird Retreat is a unique celebration, reflecting the love, creativity, and hospitality of the couple it honours. Set in a private and enchanting garden estate in Matheson Bay, Matakana, just a short drive from Auckland, our venue provides the perfect canvas for intimate and unforgettable weddings.

Gain some inspiration for your wedding at Songbird Retreat as you enjoy these wonderful celebrations of love and commitment.

siobhan and dan’s february wedding

  • ENJOY THE GROUNDS TOGETHER

    There are so many places at Songbird Retreat for quiet time just for the two of you.

    Photos by Hollow and Co.

  • aisle flowers and florals on plinths

    Design your aisle and ceremony platform. Siobhan chose Wildly, Madly, Deeply to create this stunning entrance to her cewremony.

  • the ceremony from above

    Surrounded by flowers, a willow tree and a lily pond, this is a private oasis.

  • Guests in cocktail hour

    Relaxed, no rush, no time pressures, enjoying the garden and each other.

  • enhance our accent lighting

    It is amazing how creative couples can be with little touches like candles adding that extra glow.

  • MARQUEE WITH FAIRY LIGHTS

    Imagine how your guests will celebrate the evening away.

JADE AND KAYNE’S April WEDDING

  • a bit of wind is a beautiful thing!

    Jade and Kayne were not going to let a predicted cyclone stop them from having an awesome celebration - and they did!

    Photography by MJS Visuals

  • The moment we have been waiting for

    Autummn leaves frame Jade’s entrance to her ceremony.

  • Choose your ceremony platform decoration

    Choose your style of arch - we have a triangle arch, a rectangle arch, and plinths for flowers - or bring your own!

  • a margarita tower

    Even though the forecast was for a cyclone, Jade and Kayne were committed to their margarita tower… and the weather held off for them!

  • CLEAR ROOF MARQUEE

    The clear roof marquee seats 150, and, centred in the garden, allows you to feel as though you are outside, even if the weather doesn’t play ball.

  • PHOTOS ON THE BRIDGE

    Our babbling stream and bridge provide another element of surprise.

jess and alastair’s march wedding

  • The Groomsmen arrive.

    The groomsmen arrive up the white stairs.

    Photography by Jesse and Jessie Weddings

  • set up by our service team ready

    Our service team sets up furniture, moves it during the ceremony and packs it away at the end of the evening - so you can relax and enjoy your day.

  • And the celebration begins!

    Jess and Alastair as Mr and Mrs!

  • Cocktail Hour

    Time and space to relax with cocktails and canapes.

  • The stairs frame group photos

    Photos of groups have never been easier.

  • Photos overlooking Omaha

    Looking towards a beach that is close to their hearts…

asher and milan’s november wedding

  • getting ready at songbird cottage

    Songbird Cottage, onsite bridal suite and accommodation, is ideal for hair, makeup and photos with your bridesmaids.

    Photography by Eye of Els Photography

  • the reason for it all...

    There is something lovely about sharing a private spot with your favourite people to witness your declaration of love.

  • even room for a bouncy castle!

    150 guests have plenty of room to enjoy our 4.5 acre grounds.

  • BRING YOUR OWN FUN

    There is plenty of room for you to bring your own games and entertainment.

  • late afternoon light

    There are so many beautiful spots for photos in our gardens.

  • the willow tree

    The willow tree on our ceremony lawn is a special spot, well loved by couples.

EMILY AND RILEY IN january

  • Choose your own ceremony arch

    Emily and Riley created their own ceremony arch.

    Photography by Zelda Photography

  • Enjoy our expansive grounds as if they are your own

    Three different garden rooms and 4.5 acres to walk and enjoy.

  • Petals and Confetti allowed

    Petals and good quality biodegradable confetti make for celebration and great photos

  • Design your table layout

    You have freedom of choice for your table layout.

  • Photos by the sea

    We have three beach spots within 2- 7 minutes of Songbird Retreat.

  • Be in the Garden

    No need to feel isolated from the view. The garden surrounds your clear marquee.

porsche and joshua’s october elopement

  • Getting ready at the Cottage

    The light is is perfect!

    Photography by Eilish Burt Photography

  • the bride arrives

    An elopement with up to 10 people can have almost all the elements of a larger wedding, but just be more intimate.

  • flowers beside the platform

    The pond and planting behind the ceremony platform needs no arch or plinths… you decide.

  • just the joy of it!

    An intimate ceremony with family and two friends, lots of flowers and lots of laughter and joy.

  • a walk with spring flowers

    Laughter and intimate moments, authentic and fun… and just between you…

  • enfolded in our eucalyptus tree

    The swing in our our eucalyptus tree, by Songbird Cottage, is the perfect place for a photo.

HONOUR AND JOSH’S NOVEMBER WEDDING

  • COMING DOWN THE COTTAGE STAIRS

    Songbird Cottage is a perfect place to prepare for the day.

    Photography by Phoenix Casuarina Photography

  • A FULLY NATURAL BACKDROP

    There are so many places to choose from. Honour and Josh opted for trees as a backdrop.

  • relaxed and timeless

    Barefoot and free to relax in the gardens.

RACHEL AND ADAM CELEBRATING in february

  • MORNING @ SONGBIRD COTTAGE

    Get ready in peace with family and friends onsite at Songbird Cottage, our on-site bridal preparation suite.

    Photography by Esme & Logan

  • walking down the aisle

    How will you make your entrance? Whether with your father, a friend, family, or on your own, our ceremony lawn is a beautiful setting for every style of wedding.

  • SONGBIRD PLINTHS AND CHAIRS

    Enhance your ceremony with floral plinths or our signature celebration arch, perfectly framing your vows

  • Photos at songbird retreat

    Capture every moment without leaving the property—our gardens, and open spaces create endless photo opportunities.

  • Photos at matheson bay

    Just two minutes from the estate, the sparkling waters of Matheson Bay offer a stunning backdrop for romantic portraits.

  • first dance in the marquee

    Enjoy our clear-roof marquee, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of the gardens.

  • “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

Elegant and Unhurried

  • CEREMONY LAWN

    Host your wedding ceremony on our beautiful ceremony lawn in Matakana, perfect for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. With seating for up to 150 guests—100 chairs included in the Songbird package—your closest family and friends can enjoy every moment of your special day.

  • FLORALS

    Enhance your ceremony with stunning floral arrangements tailored to your style. Our recommended wedding florists can help you design arrangements for your ceremony backdrop, bridal bouquet, and reception décor.

  • CARAVAN BAR

    Serve your favourite drinks with style using a caravan bar at Songbird Retreat. Our recommended vendors can help you provide beverages for your guests, even a signature cocktail.

  • Casual on the cocktail lawn

    Create relaxed spaces for your guests across our garden rooms and cocktail lawn. From mingling areas to shaded retreats, Songbird Retreat’s flexible outdoor spaces allow you to personalise your celebration and keep guests comfortable throughout the day.

  • Catering Freedom

    Delight your guests with a grazing table, farmhouse feast, tasting table, or luxury charcuterie. Our trusted Auckland wedding caterers and food trucks can guide you in creating a menu that matches your style and celebration.

  • MARQUEE

    Our large clear-roof marquee provides indoor comfort while allowing your guests to enjoy Songbird Retreat’s gardens. For a customised look, our recommended marquee vendors can help you select styles, liners, or table arrangements to suit your wedding vision.

  • WEDDING FAVOURS

    Add a personal touch with wedding favours or gourmet take-home treats for your guests. Songbird Retreat can connect you with recommended vendors to make these mementos special and memorable.

  • MARQUEE DINNER

    Host a beautiful dinner under our clear-roof marquee, complete with tables and chairs provided by Songbird Retreat. For a more bespoke setup, our recommended vendors can supply customised décor to match your wedding theme.

  • Photos Under the Willow Tree

    Capture magical moments beneath the willow tree and throughout Songbird Retreat’s gardens. Our recommended photographers know every corner of the estate, ensuring you’ll have stunning images of your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

Rain-kissed romance

  • Ceremony Florals

    Frame your wedding ceremony with stunning floral arrangements on our celebration arch. Our recommended wedding florists can bring your vision to life, creating bouquets, aisle décor, and ceremony backdrops that perfectly match your style.

  • EMBRACING THE WEATHER

    Even if it rains, your day at Songbird Retreat remains magical. We provide elegant clear umbrellas and versatile garden spaces, ensuring your wedding photos, ceremony, and celebrations stay beautiful in any weather.

  • PHOTOS IN THE MOMENT

    Our recommended photographers capture unexpected magical moments, like a rainbow over Songbird Retreat’s gardens, creating stunning, natural images that tell your unique wedding story.

  • DANCING and entertainment

    Celebrate the night with a dance floor and cocktail furniture at Songbird Retreat. Our add-on packages ensure guests enjoy a stylish and comfortable space for dancing, mingling, and evening festivities.

  • WEDDING CAKE AND DESSERTS

    Choose from our recommended Matakana and Auckland wedding cake designers to create a bespoke cake or dessert table that perfectly reflects your style and wedding theme.

  • MARQUEE SPEECHES AND RECEPTION

    Deliver your speeches in our clear-roof marquee, where guests can enjoy the garden views day or night. The intimate and warm setting enhances your celebrations, while twinkling garden lights create a magical backdrop for your wedding memories.

70’s boho bliss

  • Intimate Cherry Tree Ceremonies

    Exchange your vows under the blossom of the cherry tree on the decks of Songbird Cottage. This intimate setting combines natural beauty and stylish elegance, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your ceremony at our Matakana, Auckland wedding venue.

  • Wedding Photography in the Gardens

    Capture your special day in Songbird Retreat’s enchanting gardens, with endless photo opportunities from flowering trees to scenic decks. Our recommended wedding photographers know every corner of the estate to create stunning and memorable images.

  • Intimate Dining on the Covered Deck

    Celebrate a private wedding dinner on Songbird Retreat’s covered deck, overlooking our lush gardens. Perfect for small gatherings, this elegant space allows you to host up to ten guests in comfort and style. Our recommended Matakana and Auckland wedding caterers can create a bespoke menu, from multi-course feasts to curated grazing tables, tailored to your taste and wedding theme.

timeless contrast

  • Timeless Ceremony Florals

    Frame your wedding ceremony with elegant floral arrangements tailored to your vision. Whether placed on plinths or on the ceremony arch, our recommended Matakana and Auckland florists can design arrangements that perfectly complement your style.

  • Bridal Staircase photography

    The wide Bridal Staircase at Songbird Retreat is ideal for group photos and dramatic portraits. Our recommended wedding photographers know all the best angles and settings across the estate to capture every special moment.

  • Marquee Dining with garden views

    Host your wedding dinner under our clear-roof marquee, where guests can enjoy the beauty of Songbird Retreat’s gardens while staying warm and comfortable. The transparent design ensures your celebration feels connected to the outdoors, day or night.

pacifika vibrance

  • Ceremony Florals and cultural styling

    Enhance your wedding ceremony with elegant floral arrangements that frame your vows. Whether incorporating traditional elements, colours, or symbolic flowers, our recommended Matakana and Auckland wedding florists can help you celebrate your cultural heritage while creating a breathtaking backdrop for your special day.

  • wedding guest seating options

    Provide comfort and style for your guests with flexible seating options at Songbird Retreat. Choose Songbird chairs and benches, or bring your own to reflect your wedding theme. Our trusted vendors can guide you in selecting the perfect arrangement for your ceremony or reception.

  • Marquee Celebrations and custom options

    Host a stylish reception under a marquee at Songbird Retreat. Our preferred marquee vendors offer a range of styles and layouts, including peg-and-pole options, so you can create a warm, elegant space that complements our gardens and your wedding vision.

summer vibes

  • Cocktail Lawn Games & Guest Entertainment

    Keep your guests entertained between drinks and mingling with a selection of fun outdoor lawn games on Songbird Retreat’s cocktail lawn. Available as an add-on package, these games add a relaxed, playful element to your wedding celebration while making the most of our beautiful garden spaces.

  • Bridal Walkway Photography

    Bring vibrant colour and personal touches to your wedding day with photos along Songbird Retreat’s Bridal Walkway. Our recommended photographers know the best angles and lighting to capture joyful, memorable moments that reflect your personality and style.

  • Marquee Dining & Celebration Options

    Plan the perfect reception in our clear-roof marquee, whether you prefer a formal seated dinner, an informal cocktail party, or a gourmet food truck experience. Our recommended caterers and event

style arranged from LONDON

  • Elegant Ceremony Florals

    Frame your wedding ceremony with beautiful floral arrangements at Songbird Retreat, enhancing the peaceful, private, and unhurried atmosphere of our gardens. Our recommended Auckland wedding florists can design bespoke arrangements to suit your style and ceremony vision.

  • Cocktail Lawn & Garden Rooms

    Encourage mingling and relaxed conversations on Songbird Retreat’s cocktail lawn and across our versatile garden rooms. These flexible outdoor spaces allow your guests to move comfortably throughout the day, creating casual yet elegant moments between your ceremony and reception.

  • Clear-Roof Marquee & Custom Options

    Host your wedding reception under Songbird Retreat’s clear-roof marquee, which showcases our gardens while providing warmth and shelter. For a unique look, you can also hire alternative marquee styles through our trusted vendors to create a personalised celebration space.

  • Willow Tree Seating

    Provide guests with shaded seating beneath the graceful willow tree at Songbird Retreat. Choose from our recommended seating options or bring your own to match your wedding theme, ensuring comfort and style during your outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour.

  • Outdoor Furniture & Lounge Spaces

    Enhance your outdoor celebration with Songbird Retreat’s add-on cocktail furniture, umbrellas, and lounge seating. For a more luxurious touch, we can recommend comfortable cane furniture that complements your wedding style and provides relaxation for your guests.

  • Evening Entertainment & Dance

    Keep the celebration alive with music and dancing at Songbird Retreat. Choose a DJ, live band, or your own playlist, and dance the night away on our dance floor in the marquee, ensuring your guests enjoy every moment of your wedding reception.

Styling for  couple living in London, married at Songbird by: Boutique Bride, Blair Gamblin, Daria at Soulbound, Little Wolf, Kensal Flowers and Petra Galler from Butter Butter for cake. Dress from Jesus Peiro, suit from Gieves and Hawkes, rings from Jessica McCormack. Photographer Jonny Scott.