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.
RACHEL AND ADAM CELEBRATING WITH THEIR VILLAGE
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MORNING @ SONGBIRD COTTAGE
Get ready in peace with family and friends onsite at Songbird Cottage, our on-site bridal preparation suite.
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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.
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SONGBIRD PLINTHS AND CHAIRS
Enhance your ceremony with floral plinths or our signature celebration arch, perfectly framing your vows
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Photos at songbird retreat
Capture every moment without leaving the property—our gardens, and open spaces create endless photo opportunities.
Photography by Esme & Logan | Furniture & Marquee by Utterly Marquee” -
Photos at matheson bay
Just two minutes from the estate, the sparkling waters of Matheson Bay offer a stunning backdrop for romantic portraits.
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first dance in the marquee
Enjoy our clear-roof marquee, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of the gardens.
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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
Elegant and Unhurried
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.