Visitor Insights
Visiting Elko Nevada Temple
Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are sacred spaces reserved for specific ordinances and covenants for faithful members. Before dedication, a public open house allows all to tour the interior.
Highlights
- No dedicated visitors' center, but an arrival center is on site.
- Temple clothing is not available for rental; patrons should bring their own.
- Reservations are available, and walk-ins are welcome, though waits may occur.
Things to Know
- Photography is not permitted inside the temple.
- No food services, temple housing, or distribution center are available.
- Accommodations for special needs, including headsets for hearing impairment, are provided.
Location
2102 Ruby Vista Dr, Elko, NV 89801, United States
Hours: Operating hours vary; check the official Church website for current schedules.
Getting There: The temple is located at 2102 Ruby Vista Dr, Elko, NV, adjacent to the Ruby View Golf Course. Parking is available on site.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Review the official Church website for current operating hours and any specific requirements for temple attendance.
Dress Modestly
Patrons are encouraged to dress in modest attire suitable for a sacred house of worship.
Bring Temple Clothing
As temple clothing is not rented here, ensure you bring your own if you plan to participate in ordinances.
About
The Elko Nevada Temple stands as a sacred edifice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as the third temple constructed in the state of Nevada. This beautiful temple, a testament to Christian faith, provides a dedicated space for worship and the performance of sacred ordinances for faithful members. Its design thoughtfully integrates elements reflecting the local landscape and cultural heritage of Elko, Nevada.
Dedicated by Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the temple represents a significant spiritual landmark for Latter-day Saints across an expansive district covering much of northeastern Nevada. It embodies a commitment to Christian principles and the pursuit of eternal family relationships.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Desert Globemallow
This native flower motif is intricately integrated throughout the temple's design, symbolizing the beauty and resilience of local flora.
Geometric Patterns
The temple's design features geometric patterns inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Paiute and Shoshone tribes, honoring indigenous history.
Accent Colors
Interior and exterior accent colors of orange, yellow, and green reflect the vibrant hues found in Elko's landscapes, including desert flowers and sagebrush.
Golden Letters
The words 'Holiness to the Lord' and 'The House of the Lord' are inscribed in golden letters, illuminating at night and symbolically connecting to the region's gold mining heritage.
Central Spire
The prominent central spire points heavenward, a common feature in Christian architecture, symbolizing a connection to God and a striving for divine principles.
White Mount Airy Granite
The exterior is clad in durable White Mount Airy Granite stone veneer, providing an elegant and enduring appearance that reflects the clear Nevada skies.
Arched Main Entrance
The welcoming arched main entrance is a key architectural feature, contributing to the temple's dignified and inviting façade.
Interior Color Palette
The interior features a serene palette of green carpet and beige accents, reflecting the local landscape and creating a peaceful atmosphere for worship.
Interesting Facts
The Elko Nevada Temple is the third temple built in the state of Nevada, following temples in Las Vegas and Reno.
It holds the distinction of being the northernmost temple in Nevada, serving a vast geographical area.
Its dedication occurred during an apostolic interregnum, a rare event in Church history.
The temple district encompasses towns and communities across six large counties, covering approximately 46.5% of Nevada's total area.
Construction significantly reduces travel time for Latter-day Saints in northeastern Nevada.
The first mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nevada was established in 1855.
A stake (local administrative unit) was not organized in Elko County until 1942, despite Nevada being part of Utah Territory until 1864.
The golden letters on the exterior, spelling 'Holiness to the Lord' and 'The House of the Lord,' symbolically connect to northeastern Nevada's significant gold mining operations.
The Elko Nevada Temple is the 209th dedicated temple in operation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide.
Common Questions
What is the purpose of the Elko Nevada Temple?
The temple serves as a sacred space for Latter-day Saints to make covenants with God and perform saving ordinances.
Can anyone enter the temple after its dedication?
After dedication, only faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a temple recommend may enter.
Are there any visitor facilities on the temple grounds?
An arrival center is available for patrons to change, but there is no dedicated visitors' center or food services.
What is the significance of the temple's design elements?
The design incorporates local flora and indigenous patterns, symbolizing the beauty and heritage of the Elko region.
How does this temple serve the local community?
It significantly reduces travel time for Latter-day Saints in northeastern Nevada, providing closer access to sacred ordinances.
Featured Stories
A New House of the Lord for Elko
October 12, 2025
The dedication of the Elko Nevada Temple by Elder Gary E. Stevenson marked a joyous occasion for Latter-day Saints across northeastern Nevada. This sacred event brought to fruition years of anticipation, providing a closer house of worship for thousands of members. The dedication ceremony emphasized the temple's role as a beacon of faith and a place for making eternal covenants with God.
Source: The Church News
Groundbreaking Ceremony Initiates Construction
May 7, 2022
Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Quorum of the Seventy presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Elko Nevada Temple, officially commencing its construction. The event was a spiritual milestone, symbolizing the foundation of a sacred space dedicated to God. Attendees expressed gratitude for the new temple, which would soon serve a vast and growing membership.
Source: ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Community Welcomed During Public Open House
August 30 – September 13, 2025
Before its dedication, the Elko Nevada Temple opened its doors to the public for an open house, welcoming thousands of visitors from all faiths. This rare opportunity allowed the community to tour the beautifully appointed interior and learn about the sacred purposes of Latter-day Saint temples. The event fostered understanding and goodwill, sharing the temple's spiritual significance with a wider audience.
Source: LDS Daily
Timeline
Temple Announced
President Russell M. Nelson announced the intent to construct the Elko Nevada Temple during General Conference.
component.timeline.announcementSite Announced
The specific 5.2-acre site adjacent to the Ruby View Golf Course was officially announced.
MilestoneExterior Rendering Released
The official exterior rendering of the temple was released to the public, showcasing its design.
MilestoneGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Quorum of the Seventy presided over the groundbreaking, commencing construction.
component.timeline.groundbreakingMedia Day Held
A media day provided community leaders and the press with a preview of the temple's interior.
EventPublic Open House Begins
The public open house commenced, allowing visitors to tour the temple's interior before its dedication.
EventPublic Open House Concludes
The public open house for the Elko Nevada Temple concluded, welcoming thousands of visitors.
EventTemple Dedicated
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Elko Nevada Temple.
DedicationHistory by Decade
2020s — A New Temple for Nevada
The 2020s marked a significant era for Latter-day Saints in northeastern Nevada with the announcement and construction of the Elko Nevada Temple. In April 2021, President Russell M. Nelson announced the temple, bringing great anticipation to the region. The site was confirmed in June 2021, followed by the release of exterior renderings in September, giving the community a first glimpse of their future sacred edifice. Construction officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony in May 2022, presided over by Elder Paul B. Pieper. After years of diligent work, the temple opened its doors for a public open house in late August and early September 2025, welcoming thousands. The culmination of these efforts was the dedication on October 12, 2025, by Elder Gary E. Stevenson, establishing the temple as a permanent spiritual anchor for the expansive Elko temple district.
Architecture & Facilities
The Elko Nevada Temple features a modern interpretation of traditional Latter-day Saint temple architecture, characterized by a single central spire and a clean, dignified aesthetic. Its design harmonizes with the natural beauty of northeastern Nevada, incorporating local motifs and a serene color palette to create a sacred space for worship. The structure reflects a commitment to both spiritual purpose and regional identity.
Building Materials
Exterior Stone
The temple's exterior is clad in White Mount Airy Granite stone veneer, providing a durable, elegant, and light-colored finish.
Interior Finishes
Interior spaces feature painted gypsum board, paint-grade wood, and acoustic tiles, all contributing to a serene and reflective atmosphere.
Floor Coverings
Green carpet and wool rugs with patterns matching the art glass adorn the floors, reflecting local landscapes and adding warmth.
Hardware
All hardware throughout the temple features a brass or brass-resembling painted finish, adding a touch of classic elegance.
Interior Features
Instruction Room
A dedicated space for members to receive sacred instruction and learn about God's plan.
Sealing Room
Where eternal marriage and family covenants are performed, uniting families for eternity.
Baptistry
A sacred font used for baptisms for the dead, a vicarious ordinance for ancestors.
Celestial Room
A symbolic representation of returning to God's presence, characterized by its serene and elevated design.
Temple Grounds
The temple grounds are beautifully landscaped, featuring local flora and providing a peaceful, contemplative environment adjacent to the Ruby View Golf Course.
Additional Facilities
An arrival center is available on site, providing patrons with a convenient space to change into temple clothing before entering the sacred edifice.
Religious Significance
As a sacred edifice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Elko Nevada Temple is a House of the Lord, dedicated to the worship of God and the performance of eternal ordinances. It stands as a testament to the Christian faith and the belief in God's eternal plan for His children.
The temple's core purpose is to provide a sacred space where faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can make and renew covenants with God, receive divine instruction, and participate in saving ordinances essential to their Christian journey.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
A vicarious ordinance performed on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to be baptized during their lifetime.
Endowment
A series of sacred instructions and covenants that provide members with greater understanding of God's plan and their potential.
Sealing
An ordinance that binds families together for eternity, allowing spouses and children to be united beyond mortal life.
Eternal Families
Central to Latter-day Saint theology is the belief in eternal families, where relationships can continue beyond death through sacred temple covenants.
Divine Covenants
Members make solemn promises with God in the temple, receiving blessings and guidance as they strive to live a Christ-centered life.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (6)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| Timeline & Dedication | The Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Symbolic Elements | LDS Daily (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Facts & Statistics | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Interesting Facts | Gephardt Daily (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Visitor Information | Ledgestone Hotel (opens in a new tab) | D | 2024-07-30 |