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
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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.
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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.
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the ceremony from above
Surrounded by flowers, a willow tree and a lily pond, this is a private oasis.
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Guests in cocktail hour
Relaxed, no rush, no time pressures, enjoying the garden and each other.
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enhance our accent lighting
It is amazing how creative couples can be with little touches like candles adding that extra glow.
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MARQUEE WITH FAIRY LIGHTS
Imagine how your guests will celebrate the evening away.
JADE AND KAYNE’S April WEDDING
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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
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The moment we have been waiting for
Autummn leaves frame Jade’s entrance to her ceremony.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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PHOTOS ON THE BRIDGE
Our babbling stream and bridge provide another element of surprise.
jess and alastair’s march wedding
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The Groomsmen arrive.
The groomsmen arrive up the white stairs.
Photography by Jesse and Jessie Weddings
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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.
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And the celebration begins!
Jess and Alastair as Mr and Mrs!
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Cocktail Hour
Time and space to relax with cocktails and canapes.
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The stairs frame group photos
Photos of groups have never been easier.
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Photos overlooking Omaha
Looking towards a beach that is close to their hearts…
RACHEL AND ADAM CELEBRATING in february
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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.
Photography by Esme & Logan
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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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
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.