When to get married in Corsica?
May, June, September and early October are the most pleasant periods: soft light, a sea that is still warm in autumn, bearable temperatures and venues less crowded. July and August are possible but require planning for the heat, the crowds and the traffic. Off-season, some reception venues are closed: availability should be checked very early.
Where to celebrate: sea, maquis or village?
Corsica offers three main atmospheres: the seaside (villas, private beaches, coves), the maquis (estates with a view, gardens), and the stone villages (chapels, squares, family houses). Each changes the light, the rhythm of the day and the way you get around. Choose the atmosphere first, then the region: Ajaccio and the gulf, Bastia and Cap Corse, Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, Calvi and Balagne.
Logistics: allow plenty of time
Four airports serve the island — Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari — and ferry links arrive at Ajaccio, Bastia and other ports. The roads are beautiful but winding: a journey that looks short on a map can take twice as long. Tell your guests the times and venues early, and plan accommodation close to the reception venue.
The ceremony
The civil marriage is celebrated at the town hall, according to the rules of the commune concerned; for a secular or symbolic ceremony on an estate, a private venue is usually necessary. Administrative procedures and deadlines vary: contact the town hall as soon as possible to find out which documents are required.
Photographer and videographer: when to book?
As soon as the date and venue are set. A good provider only accepts a limited number of weddings a year, and the weekends of May, June and September go first. A photographer who knows the island's light also helps you build the day's schedule: where and when to place the portraits, how much time to allow between the ceremony and the reception.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a plan B in case of bad weather?
Yes, always. Even if the island is sunny much of the year, wind, a storm or an overcast day can happen. Choose a venue that offers a covered fallback and talk about it with your providers.
Can we get married on the beach in Corsica?
It depends on the commune and the venue; some secular ceremonies are held by the sea on private estates. Ask the town hall and the venue you choose.
How long should we allow for couple portraits?
Forty-five minutes to an hour in beautiful light is enough to produce strong images. I place them at the start or end of the day, away from the harsh sun.
How do we choose a region in Corsica?
By atmosphere: the gulf and the town in Ajaccio, stone and panoramas in the north, beaches and cliffs in the south, the citadel and the bay in Balagne.
Planning your wedding in Corsica? I help you imagine the day and its schedule.