Release Policy

1. Doves will never be released while weather conditions are severe, such as high winds, heavy fog, thunderstorms, and heavy snowfall or rain. In case of any of these events we will not charge for the cancelled release.

2. Night releases are not allowed, and doves will not be released if they cannot arrive home before nightfall. Commonly a cut-off time for a release is within 2 to 3 hours before sunset, but varies depending on the distance needed for them to travel home.

3 . Doves will not be released indoors.

4. We do not ship doves for self release.

5. To release only well trained, well cared for white homing pigeons that have been banded and who have been raised and trained to return home to their loft. We will not release birds AT NIGHT. We do NOT release birds beyond a range they are unable to safely fly.

(The release coordinator is 100% reliable and on time. Every event has at least one knowledgeable release coordinator present.)

Commonly Asked Questions

The following is a list of questions that we have been asked by people. If you have any questions that are not on the list, please email us, info@Gracefuldoves.com
we will answer all your questions as soon as possible.

Question: "Where do the doves go when they are released?"
Answer: Our doves are trained to fly home to the safety of their loft.

Question: "How long does it take for the doves to fly home?"
Answer: It depends on the distance from their loft but they will arrive home on the same day as the release.

Question: "If I have paid for my release and weather prevents the release,  can I get a refund?"
Answer: Yes

Question: "Can I order an evening release?"
Answer: Yes, we can schedule a release, but it can be no later than 2 to 3 hours before sunset. Time of day allowed changes per season.

Question: "How many doves can be released?"
Answer:  You can have a 1 to 2 dove release or up to 6 doves released at one time.

Question: "Could I release the doves myself?"
Answer:    For a 1 to 2 dove release.

Question: "Can I have a dove release during the winter?"
Answer:   Amazingly enough, doves prefer to fly in colder weather, so yes they can fly during the winter, except for when conditions make visibility poor, or in extremely cold weather.

Question: "Can I have a dove release anywhere?"
Answer:  Yes, anywhere except indoors or high predator risk areas.

Question: "How do the doves know where home is?"
Answer: Doves have a homing instinct that somehow tells them where to fly home  to and where it is located.

Question: "What if it rains slightly on the day of our release?"
Answer: The doves can be released in rainy weather, but if a thunderstorm is happening during the day then the release is cancelled.

Question: "Will you coordinate the dove release with our wedding photographer?"
Answer: Yes we will coordinate the dove release with your wedding photographer and videographer to create breathtaking wedding pictures.