Among the most spectacular wedding traditions, the release of Colombes is in the right place. But this practice makes teeth cringe among animal defenders and more and more municipalities oppose it.
Colombe is an animal associated with peace, love, purity, but also with hope. Organizing a release of doves on the day of your wedding is therefore very symbolic. The bird is then the illustration of the young couple’s flight to a life for two. Visually, the release of Colombes always has its effect on wedding day, captivating the guests. Some couples then choose to organize it at the exit of the church, others before the cocktail for example.
Nothing prevents you from organizing a release of doves on your wedding day. This practice is not prohibited, except in certain departments, but it divides. And for good reason: several incidents have already taken place everywhere in France, with animals lost in town, and which are not used to living alone, others wounded, stuck on roofs or even devoured by goélands, as was the case in Nice. Animal defense associations denounce animal instrumentalization and “dangerous and cruel” practice. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation notably called to put these doves to stop during wedding ceremonies.
For the time being, only a French department has strictly prohibited the release of doves, it is Mayenne. For animal welfare, the town hall of Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont in Belgium also refused this practice in 2020. Be careful however, even if letting go of doves is not prohibited in your city, it is absolutely essential to inform you beforehand to the town hall to know its position on the subject. In some cases it is necessary to obtain a special authorization.
On the budget side, if you are tempted by a release of doves on the day of your wedding, it will take between 200 to 400 euros approximately depending on the number of doves and the animation envisaged. It is also essential to call on a qualified and accustomed ponded in this type of event. The doves must indeed be trained to return to the dovecote after their flight. And to prevent them from getting lost, the birds are also sometimes banded.
