balloon releases in PA? *UPDATE* Using a bubble machine!

That would be cute, but I think they make biodegradable balloons or something..be sure to look into that..even if there are no laws regular balloons still pose potential hazards to wildlife.

Please anyone know anything about the laws? n bump!

*LIKE* @Ab Z's suggestion to use biodegradable balloons.

Oh im def gonna be using them no birdies or furries will be hurt during this wedding! im just worried bout being arrested!

Crystal answered for me. However, I will echo the sentiments of using biodegradable balloons.

Thats where I'm having problems. No web info on local laws. Plenty of lawyer referrals and crazy laws. But no information can be found by googling it! I need to find out Who can I call? The city county building? The permit office? The mayor? The game and fish officers?

In my city they do have restrictions, they make you provide liability insurance which for the most part people change their mind about it. I would call your town court and ask what restrictions or requirements they have.

UPDATE!! I FINALLY got some answers to my question! I called the Parks department. And asked the man there, Is there any laws against releasing balloons at the wedding? He answered Let me put it to you this way, When it comes to releasing doves, butterflies, throwing rice, or releasing balloons, use your better judgement. While there arent any laws or regulations against it, I cant tell you to do it.

OKKKKKK FINE! EHHHH, guess I will be doing the balloons! YAY!

We are doing but our ceremony is at the beach.

I was going to chime in with this: Even if you dont find any ordinances regarding releasing balloons, you venue may not like it. You could lose your deposit.

Ask the guy at parks and rec if anyone's done that in the past and what was the outcome.

I just wouldn't recommend it :-/ Even if the balloons are biodegradable, the string, ribbon, etc could still be hazardous to wildlife. Could you do them WITHOUT string????? Please?

You are in luck since you are in PA but there are laws against it in the following states & cities: Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee, New York, Texas, California and Virginia. Cities of Ocean City, Maryland; Louisville; Huntsville, Ala.; San Francisco; and Baltimore. Legislation is pending in other states including Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York.

While it is legal in your states, there are so many risks to wildlife that you may want to consider.

I was considering this as well. we weren't going to have strings on the balloons. we wanted to do paper lanterns but we cannot have any fire anywhere on the premises of the venue.

I couldn't find anything about it online, good to know that the parks department might know.

I would definitely not do strings and even if the balloons are biodegradable, it may take a while for them to to dissolve and animals can still get stuck in them/eat them/choke on them. Just take that in to consideration too

Have you considered bubbles? We have a bubble machine! They are like balloons...ish And a lot less gross then rice/birdseed & less hazardous to the environment!

Completely off topic...is the West End Overlook anything like the overlook on Mt. Washington? I lived in Pittsburgh during college and never heard of the West End Overlook, but it sounds like a really cool place to have a wedding!!

Whatever you decide to do, I hope it works out for you!

@ Andrea R. No I never would've thought of a bubble machine! And TONS of kids will be there so that would probably be a FANTASTIC thing! LOL! And yes the West End is like Mt. Washington, but smaller and more intimate! Heres a pic!

If a balloon release isn't illegal it should be. But also consider the littering factor. Are you going to scour the city picking up the balloon pieces after they inevitably pop? Pretty sure it's a $10,000 fine here… something to think about.

Already said ABOVE that I think I will do a bubble machine! So please RELAX!!! And don't be so quick to judge without getting ALL the facts first!

A bubble machine sounds like a great idea and much more environmentally friendly :-) I love pittsburgh!! It looks like you will have a beautiful view of the city! I live at the other end of PA near the Poconos

YAY! I'm glad I could help Kids love bubbles! Excellent!!!

Edit: The overlook looks awesome! I love the city & FH loves the Steelers, we visit quite often We may just check that out the next time we're there!