Are you dreaming about the Cairngorms elopement in the Scottish Highlands, on the shore of the loch? There are a lot of breathtaking places in Scotland where you can elope. But today I would like to show you the magical places in Cairngorms National Park. Places full of magic, enchanted, beautiful. One of my favourites… And if you love forests and dream of the Cairngorms elopement in the Scottish Highlands, on the shore of the loch, and surrounded by the majestic Scottish Highlands and pine trees, you might also like these locations.
CAIRNGORMS ELOPEMENT IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS LOCATIONS – LOCHS
Cairngorms Elopement locations
Loch Garten elopement
25 minutes – this is how long it takes to drive to Loch Garten from Aviemore. You have a choice of two car parks – one of them is located next to the centre, the other in the forest. The one at the centre is equipped with toilets.
Loch Garten is one of my favourite spots for Cairngorms elopement. A path along the pine forest leads to the lake. Oh, that smell is amazing! You are surrounded by greenery everywhere. This green is present there even in winter, thanks to the needles that do not change colour all year round.
A ceremony on the shore of a lake, surrounded by beautiful pine trees and their roots protruding above the surface, mountains in the distance? Checked. The pine trees will give you a nice shelter during very windy days.
Cairngorms Elopement Locations – Eloping in Loch Garten Cairngorms National Park is an adventurous and romantic way to share your love for each other while surrounded by the beauty of nature. There are several reasons why this location makes for an unforgettable elopement:
- Breathtaking scenery: Loch Garten is a picturesque destination, with its crystal-clear lochs, rolling hills, and lush forest. It offers stunning backdrops that will make your wedding photos stand out.
- Intimate setting: Eloping in Loch Garten allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and savour the moment with just the two of you. The peaceful surroundings create an intimate and private atmosphere, perfect for exchanging vows.
- Wildlife: Cairngorms National Park boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including red squirrels, ospreys, and golden eagles. Your elopement will take place in the heart of nature, giving you the chance to encounter some of Scotland’s iconic wildlife.
- Adventure opportunities: If you and your partner are adventure enthusiasts, Loch Garten Cairngorms offers an array of activities, including hiking, kayaking, and cycling. You can make your elopement even more special with some outdoor adventures that will create unforgettable memories.
Overall, eloping in Loch Garten is a unique and unforgettable experience, combining breathtaking scenery, intimacy, and adventure. It’s a location that only a select few have the opportunity to experience, and it makes for the perfect wedding venue for couples that love nature and adventure.
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Aviemore – Loch Garten – 25 minutes
Car park – yes, two: one near Visitor Centre, the second is in the forest
Toilets – yes, Visitor Centre
Forest – pines and some broadleaved
Woodland path – yes
Hiking shoes – not necessary
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Loch Morlich elopement
One of the larger lakes in the Cairngorms, Loch Morlich is approximately 20 minutes from Aviemore. I like to visit them in the off-season when it’s not crowded. There is a water centre nearby, so in summer the beach is full of tourists, especially at the weekend or on a sunny day.
Cairngorms Elopement Locations – Eloping in Loch Morlich is a fantastic idea for many reasons:
- Stunning scenery: The breathtaking scenery found at Loch Morlich is absolutely stunning, making it a picture-perfect location for elopements. The place is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests which create such an amazing backdrop for your wedding photographs.
- Private and secluded: Loch Morlich is a relatively quiet location out of tourist season that offers couples the opportunity to get away from the crowds and have an intimate wedding ceremony. From the shores of the loch to the surrounding woodland, there are plenty of secluded locations to host your elopement ceremony.
- Adventure Opportunities: If you love adventure and being surrounded by nature, then Loch Morlich is perfect for you. From hiking and kayaking to mountain biking, there are numerous activities available that can add extra excitement to your elopement.
- Accommodation: There is plenty of accommodation nearby to suit your style. You can find more information here.
- Reasonable travel distance: Loch Morlich is located close to the town of Aviemore, which is 2.5 hours by car from Edinburgh Airport or almost 3 hours from Glasgow Airport. This makes it more accessible for you and your guests to travel.
In summary, Loch Morlich is an ideal location to elope, full of stunning scenery, adventure opportunities, accommodation, and easy travel distance. This outdoor wedding location makes everything special. Your wedding will be secluded in the most charming place where nature holds you truly for your special day.
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Aviemore – Loch Orlich – 20 minutes
Car park – yes
Toilets – no (the nearest one is at Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre)
Forest – pines
Woodland path – yes
Hiking shoes – not necessary
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
An Lochan Uaine, Green Loch elopement
Turquoise water. Majestic old pines standing like statues. A path along the pine forest leads to Green Loch. You have about 20-25 minutes to walk from the parking lot.
There are two small beaches by the lake, perfect for the ceremony. On one side you are surrounded by pine trees, on the other side a mountain slope decorated with falling stones.
Cairngorms Elopement Locations – Eloping in An Lochan Uaine, also known as the Green Loch, is an exceptional idea for many reasons:
- Breathtaking Scenery: Green Loch is one of the hidden gems of the Cairngorms National Park. The emerald-green waters are surrounded by thick pine forests, creating a stunning backdrop for a unique wedding experience. The scenery is spectacular, and it will be a fantastic location for wedding photographs.
- Seclusion: Green Loch is a peaceful and tranquil getaway that offers couples the opportunity to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a secluded and intimate location perfect for an elopement ceremony that focuses on the love between the couple.
- Privacy: An Lochan Uaine is a small and secluded location, making it a private spot for your elopement. You can exchange your vows near the tranquil water surrounded only by nature, which will make it all the more special and intimate.
- Adventure Opportunities: The area around An Lochan Uaine offers various outdoor activities, from hiking to mountain biking, canoeing or kayaking, even a winter snowshoe walk is possible. You can immerse yourself and your partner in the experience of your chosen activity, making your wedding day even more unforgettable.
- Unique Experience: Eloping at An Lochan Uaine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many couples. This hidden gem will make your wedding ceremony stand out from traditional weddings, making your special day truly unique.
In summary, An Lochan Uaine, or Green Loch, is an unforgettable location for an intimate and adventurous elopement ceremony. The stunning scenery, seclusion, and privacy of this location make it an ideal choice for couples seeking to celebrate their love in a unique and memorable way.
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Aviemore – Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine) – 25 minutes
Car park – yes (on the road)
Toilets – no (the nearest at Cairngorms Reindeer Centre)
Forest – pines, broadleaved
Woodland path – yes
Hiking shoes – not necessary
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Loch An Eilein elopement
It was one of the most beautiful and pleasant walks in the woods I have done recently. I have already added Loch an Eilein Walk to my “favourites” list. The walk around Loch an Eilein took us about 2 hours. Surrounded by pine trees, from time to time leafy trees, roots of perennial pines protruding to the surface creating magical patterns. In the distance, we could admire the Scottish Highlands.
It is also one of the most beautiful places for the Cairngorms elopement in the Scottish Highlands. Imagine your Loch an Eilein elopement, holding their hands, reading your vows. A gentle breeze running through the trees and playing with your hair, dress, and bouquet.
Cairngorms Elopement Locations – Eloping in Loch an Eilein is an excellent idea for many reasons:
- Stunning scenery: Loch an Eilean is a picturesque lake surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine trees and the majestic Cairngorms. The location offers breathtaking views that make for an impressive backdrop for an unforgettable elopement ceremony.
- Secluded and private location: With its secluded and tranquil setting, Loch an Eilean offers a serene and intimate environment that makes it perfect for an elopement ceremony. You’ll have the peace and tranquillity of a private location without distractions, giving you the perfect opportunity to exchange your vows in a romantic setting.
- Unique experience: An elopement at Loch an Eilean offers a unique, one-of-a-kind experience that you and your partner will never forget. The stunning beauty of the location, combined with the privacy of the setting, will make your special day feel truly magical.
- Adventure opportunities: If you’re an adventurous couple, Loch an Eilean offers plenty of outdoor activities, like hiking or kayaking, that you can enjoy before or after your elopement ceremony to make your day even more memorable.
- Reasonable travel distance: Loch an Eilean is a reasonably accessible location in Scotland, with nearby accommodation options available in Aviemore or Inverness, making it easy to travel to or stay near the area.
In summary, Loch an Eilean offers a unique, romantic, and adventurous experience for couples looking for an unforgettable elopement ceremony. The stunning scenery, tranquil setting and opportunities for adventure make it the ideal location for couples seeking to celebrate their love in a magical, intimate environment.
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Aviemore – Loch an Eilein – 20 minutes
Car park – yes (paid)
Toilets – yes (near Loch an Eilein)
Forest – pines, broadleaved
Woodland path – yes
Hiking shoes – not necessary
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Loch Muick elopement
Loch Muick is a breathtaking place for eloping in the Cairngorms. After walking about 10 minutes from the parking lot, you will see the lake surrounded by mountains from a distance. On the left side, there is a small pine forest. It takes another 10 minutes to get to the shores of Loch Muick. There is nowhere to hide from the wind. Loch Muick compared to the previous locations is uncovered.
Cairngorms Elopement Locations – Cairngorms Elopement Locations – Eloping in Loch Muick is a fantastic idea for many reasons:
- Breathtaking Scenery: Loch Muick is a scenic loch located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The loch is surrounded by rugged mountains, heather-covered hills, and ancient Caledonian pine forests. The stunning scenery provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate ceremony.
- Secluded and Private: Loch Muick is quieter than some of the more popular wedding destinations in Scotland. As a result, it’s a secluded location and perfect for an intimate elopement. You can fully enjoy the beauty of nature and have a peaceful and romantic ceremony by the loch.
- Unique Experience: Loch Muick offers a unique and unforgettable experience compared to a traditional big wedding. You can celebrate your love for each other intimately and create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
- Adventure Opportunities: The surrounding areas of Loch Muick offer numerous adventure opportunities, such as hiking and mountain biking. You get to experience Scotland’s stunning nature and landscapes, making an already magical moment even more special. You can as well hike to a few Munros which are located in this area.
- Reasonable Travel Distance: Loch Muick is only a short drive from the town of Ballater and Aberdeen, making it an accessible location from Scotland’s most populated cities. You can also find plenty of accommodation options nearby, from luxurious hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts.
In summary, eloping in Loch Muick is an excellent choice for adventurous couples who want a unique, private and unforgettable wedding experience. With breathtaking scenery, privacy, and adventure opportunities, Loch Muick offers a spot that ticks all the essential elements that make for the perfect elopement destination.
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Aviemore – Loch Muick – 1 hr 50 mins
Car park – yes (paid)
Toilets – yes (when I was there twice in May they were closed)
Forest – pine, but the loch is uncovered
Woodland path – no
Hiking shoes – not necessary but will be more comfortable
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Loch Ullachie elopement
One of the smallest lochs in the Cairngorms. A great choice for an intimate Cairngorms elopement in the Scottish Highlands. Tiny parking lot, peace and quiet, pine trees giving shelter against the wind. This is one of the most important advantages of this place. I fell in love with him. It is true that I had a little problem with finding a parking lot, but we managed.
Cairngorms Elopement Locations – Eloping in Loch Ullachie is an excellent choice for many reasons:
- Breathtaking Scenery: Loch Ullachie is a hidden gem in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The loch is surrounded by heather-covered hills, ancient pine forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop for a stunning and intimate wedding.
- Secluded and Private: Loch Ullachie is an off-the-beaten-path location, making it a secluded and private spot for an elopement ceremony. Whether you choose to have your ceremony by the tranquil waters of the loch or in the surrounding forest, you and your partner will be able to enjoy the peaceful surroundings all to yourselves.
- Romance: Loch Ullachie is a romantic location that invokes a sense of serenity and calm. You can exchange your vows under the canopy of trees, with the calming sound of water in the background. The location can provide the perfect ambience for a romantic elopement ceremony.
- Adventure Opportunities: Loch Ullachie is an excellent destination for adventure lovers. With its stunning vistas and rugged terrain, there are many outdoor activities that couples can partake in to make their wedding day more adventurous and exciting.
- Natural Beauty: Loch Ullachie is a place of natural beauty, home to a diverse range of wildlife including otters, red squirrels, and eagles. The location can make your elopement feel even more special by being surrounded by nature.
In summary, Loch Ullachie provides a unique and romantic elopement experience for couples. The secluded location, breathtaking scenery, adventure opportunities, and natural beauty all make this an ideal spot for an intimate wedding ceremony. If you are looking for a peaceful and romantic location for your wedding day, then Loch Ullachie could be a perfect choice for you.
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
Aviemore – Loch Ullachie – 1hr 30 mins
Car park – yes, for a few cars only
Toilets – no
Forest – pine
Woodland path – a very short around the loch
Hiking shoes – yes, might be boggy in some parts of the path
Cairngorms Elopement locations – Lochs
I hope that this guide helped you to find the perfect Cairngorms elopement location on the shore of the loch.
Are you planning Cairngorms elopement in the Scottish Highlands and looking for a photographer for your special day? Contact me, I’d love to capture your beautiful story.
