Logan and AJ have been together for a decade. And since getting engaged, they have been waiting for the right moment to get married. But every single time they chatted about big wedding planning, they both had a feeling that it wasn’t what they really wanted. The more research they did on Scottish elopements, the more certain they became about what they really wanted to do. And this is how the idea of a woodland Cairngorms elopement in Scotland was born!

Since deciding for a woodland Cairngorms elopement, they also knew they wanted their closest friends and family members to be included in their wedding. So they travelled to Aviemore to marry at Lochan Uaine – also known as the Green Loch. But before the official ceremony, they decided to exchange their personal vows privately. Which is why we chose the peaceful setting of Loch an Eilein’s pine forest for that.

Loch an Eilein elopement wedding in Scotland

One of the reasons why more and more couples choose to elope instead of having a traditional, big wedding is the fact that they don’t like being the centre of attention. Which is totally fair!

Not everyone wants to exchange their intimate, personal vows in front of a hundred people. Or even in front of their family members.

Sometimes couples prefer to reserve their wedding vows only for their partner.

For that reason, they choose a private vow exchange, with no one else present. And this is the option that Logan and AJ opted for. Therefore, before their official elopement ceremony, we drove to Loch an Eilein. We found a beautiful spot close to the loch which turned out to be a perfect spot for that. It was not only picturesque, but also secluded and away from the busy walking paths.

Forest elopement ceremony at Lochan Uaine – the Green Loch

Lochan Uaine, also known as the Green Loch, is one of the lesser known elopement locations in Scotland. In consequence, it’s also much calmer and peaceful. And unique!

With the most popular places to elope in Scotland being Edinburgh, Glencoe and Isle of Skye, Lochan Uaine is a hidden gem. As a not very well-known place, it provides incredible views. Surrounded by the Caledonian pines, its turquoise water surface is a very rare thing to witness in Scotland.

What is more, what also makes it a great elopement ceremony location is its accessibility. Although it does require around a 45-minute walk from Aviemore’s  Reindeer centre, the walk is mostly very flat. Moreover, it’s a very enjoyable walk which guarantees breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains.

Ring warming ceremony at the Cairngorms elopement 

Most couples eloping in Scotland decide to incorporate either handfasting or quaich rituals into their wedding.  Meanwhile, AJ and Logan decided to have a ring warming ceremony at their elopement.

But what is a ring warming ceremony exactly? It is a tradition which which involves the wedding rings being passed from one wedding guest to another, after returning to the couple. So it’s about giving your loved ones the opportunity to hold them in their hands, which symbolises a blessing.

Without a doubt, it’s a wonderful tradition to introduce into your wedding ceremony. It allows your wedding rings to be warmed with love and good wishes from everyone you choose to be present at your special day.

Are you interested in eloping at Lochan Uaine? For more information about this extraordinary place, visit Love Cairngorms website.

Forest elopements in Scotland 

My clients often ask me: what are the best woodland elopement locations in Scotland? If you dream of a romantic elopement in an enchanting woodland scenery, you should elope in Cairngorms.

Cairngorms National Park gives you a great number of choices when it comes to scenic outdoor wedding spots.

My personal favourite include Loch an Eilein, Loch Garten and Lochan Uaine – the Green Loch. Depending on what you’re really looking for, I will be happy to advise you on the best location to exchange your vows!

In the meantime, for more small wedding and elopement advice, you should explore My Scotland elopement guides.

And don’t forget to share your elopement plans with me. I can’t wait to hear from you!