Cruden is a coastal parish, which lies in Aberdeenshire Council Area, some 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Mintlaw and 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire.
It is located in the old county of Aberdeenshire, which disappeared following the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1974.
The parish has an area of 73.7 sq. km (28.4 sq. miles). Cruden has 6 neighbouring parishes; namely Ellon, Logie Buchan, Longside, Old Deer, Peterhead and Slains.