Kristi and Mike’s intimate Cairngorms Elopement at Loch Garten in the Scottish Highlands took place on a full beam Sunny September day! They married in a small ceremony surrounded by Three close family members, between the ancient pines in the beautiful Cairngorms national park on the shores of the Loch.

Their preparations started at the Woodsman’s Cottage at the Lazy Duck, beautiful off-grid accommodation in the heart of the Cairngorm mountains. The Woodsman’s hut they picked, surrounded by trees and teaming with wildlife all around, was the perfect place to start to their Scottish elopement adventure.

After the preparations Mike wandered to a pre planned spot in the woodland to wait on Kristi. A ‘first look’ is a lovely way to see each other ahead of travelling to the ceremony together and this one was particularly emotional!

After a few minutes of wandering together around the enchanted woodland at the Lazy Duck, we all drove to Loch Garten to meet with other family members and their humanist celebrant Susan Fleming.

Cairngorms elopement at Loch Garten

Cairngorms Elopement At Loch Garten

Kristi’s Dad Stephen was ready to meet her at the carpark, while Mike walked on a head to stand ready at the end of the natural ‘aisle’ with views out across the Loch. Kristi’s sister Peta played violin beautifully as they walked the aisle and commenced the ceremony. This involved a handfast, a ring exchange and more than a few tears of joy!

After the ceremony we wandered the woodland for a while before returning to The Dell of Abernethy house for some lunch, champagne and a catch up with family.

The day was bright so always keen to work in better light I was keen to allow some time for the Sun to settle lower in the sky before we set out again for Cairngorm mountain to shoot some more couple portraits into the late afternoon. It was great to watch Kristi and Mike having fun, looking relaxed, running and dancing into the fresh mountain air in the shadow of the Northern Corries, and with views back down the Glen

An Awesome day with two gentle, lovely people. I hope you enjoy flicking through their story.

Cast & Crew

Accommodation: Lazy Duck & Dell of Abernethy

Flowers: Bothy Blooms

Celebrant: Susan Fleming

Dress: Rare Bridal Studio

Cake: Janette MacPherson Cake Craft

the Woodsmans cottage at the lazy duck in the cairngorms
bridal preparations at the lazy duck cairngorms
bridal preparations at the lazy duck cairngorms with bride dress hanging outside wood cabin
A groom writing his vows before a Cairngorms elopement
bridal flowers in scotland
Bride getting ready for her Scottish elopement
Bride getting ready for her Scottish elopement
Bride getting ready for her Scottish elopement
Groom standing outside log cabin during Scottish elopement
Bride in White dress walking through woodland in Scotland Highlands
Bride saying her vows during ceremony wedding at Loch Garten.
confetti being thrown over bride and groom during their Scottish elopement
bride signing register after being married in the Cairngorm's
Bride in Woodland in the Cairngorm's national park
Bride looks out over Loch Garten standing on a rock over the water
Bride and Groom laughing whilst exploring the woodland on a Sunny day during their Scottish elopement
Bride and Groom in Scottish woodlands
Bride and Groom hands almost touching into the sunlight with trees behind in the cairngorms
late afternoon light in the cairngorms national park with bride and groom walking towards the mountains

If you are planning to elope in Scotland, rocking a Cairngorms elopement at Loch Garten or in one of our many other areas in the Scottish Highlands, do get in touch if you need some help or advice. Or click on my How to Elope to Scotland Planning Guide below!

how to elope in scotland guide

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