The Dove Release Ceremony
Meaning - This ceremony shows marriage is for life just like doves mate for life
Time - about 1 to 2 minutes in length
Supplies
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Trained Doves
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Appropriate container to hold the doves until the release
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Must be conducted at an outdoor ceremony
Placement - This Ceremony Enhancement is usually done at the end of the ceremony.
Example of the wording for this Enhancement:
Spoken by the Officiant
_____ and _____ have elected to symbolize their life long commitment to their marriage by releasing doves. Doves are a perfect choice for this symbolic moment since they are recognized around the world to represent peace. Doves are also an appropriate choice for this moment since they mate for life just as we wish _____ and _____’s marriage to be for life.
As we watch these beautiful creatures soar up into the sky, _____ and _____ would like to let you know that these doves are trained for this release and are now using their natural tracking abilities to navigate their way back to their home. This too is symbolic for today’s marriage. Since we have just witnesses _____ and _____ make promises to be together for life we can say that we have witnessed this couple begin to soar towards their new life and home together.
Doves are released
Consider adding a poem to make the moment even more special and unique
Dove Poem by an Unknown Author
Two doves meeting in the sky
Two loves hand in hand, eye to eye
Two parts of a loving whole
Two hearts and a single soul
Two stars shining big and bright
Two fires bringing warmth and light
Two songs played in perfect tune
Two flowers growing into bloom
Two Doves gliding in the air
Two loves free without a care
Two parts of a loving whole
Two hearts and a single soul