House of the Lord Elko Nevada Temple by LDS Temple News
The Elko, Nevada Temple is situated on a scenic 5.2-acre property, with its groundbreaking and site dedication conducted on May 7, 2022. The open house welcomed visitors from August 30 to September 13, 2025, and it was consecrated on October 12, 2025, by President Gary E. Stevenson. Its exterior gleams with white Mount Airy granite and features an elegant single central tower. Spanning 12,901 square feet and reaching a height of 108 feet, it is situated at an elevation of 5,133 feet.
This notable temple is Nevada’s third, following those in Las Vegas (1989) and Reno (2000). Its dedication coincided with a transitional period between church presidents, occurring shortly after the passing of President Russell M. Nelson on September 27, 2025, and prior to the October 2025 general conference held on October 4-5. Nelson’s funeral was held on October 7.
President Nelson announced the commencement of construction for the temple on April 4, 2021, during the 191st Annual General Conference. The church’s initial mission in Nevada was established in 1855 in The Meadows (Las Vegas). Historically, Nevada was part of Utah Territory until achieving statehood in 1864. The first stake in Elko County was formed in 1942, when Nevada’s membership exceeded 184,000 and approximately 350 congregations were established, with the temples in Las Vegas and Reno already serving members.
On June 10, 2021, the site for the temple was announced, comprising 5.2 acres adjacent to the Ruby View Golf Course. It is planned to be a welcoming single-story structure of approximately 10,000 square feet. The official exterior rendering was unveiled to the public on September 17, 2021.
Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Quorum of the Seventy presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on May 7, accompanied by his wife Melissa and other Church leaders. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the temple and urged members to deepen their love for God and their neighbors during its construction. An open house was scheduled for August 27, 2025, with tours conducted from August 30 through September 13, excluding Sundays. Elder Gary E. Stevenson dedicated the temple on October 12 via a broadcast to district units. The structure features robust steel framing and an attractive white Mount Airy Granite veneer.
Design elements honoring local Paiute and Shoshone cultures include wood carvings, art glass, paint, fabrics, and metal motifs inspired by desert globemallow flowers native to the region. The warm color palette of orange, yellow, and green reflects Elko’s natural landscapes. Interior decoration of the main temple and waiting rooms features green carpets, beige tones, and geometric patterns, harmonizing with the white tones prevalent in the celestial and sealing rooms. Entry and waiting areas are comfortably appointed with wool rugs with complementary patterns. Throughout the temple, porcelain tiles mimicking natural stone add an organic feel, using Emperador Light for counters and wall bases, Crema Ella for baptismal and instruction rooms, and Latte for transitional spaces. Elegant lighting fixtures include brass and frosted-glass pendant lights and chandeliers from Preciosa, with crystals adding a touch of sparkle to the ordinance spaces. The baptismal font is finished with a brass-painted aluminum railing, glass panels, and sapele wood accents. Doors, crafted from sapele veneer or painted metal, are custom-designed to complement the temple’s motifs, fostering a harmonious and welcoming environment.