It is the first since the Manti Utah Temple in 1888 to have been dedicated during a period without a church president in office.[12]
History
The intent to construct the Elko Nevada Temple was announced by church president Russell M. Nelson during general conference, one of 20 announced that day.[13] A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 7, 2022, with Paul B. Pieper, a church general authority, presiding.[14] The invitation-only event marked the beginning of construction and was attended by regional and local church leaders and community leaders.[15] It was also broadcast to church members in the temple district.[16]
The temple is on a 5.2-acre site near a golf course,[4] and is a single-story structure of approximately 10,000 square feet, which serves Latter-day Saints in northeastern Nevada[17] and surrounding areas.[18] It is the church's third temple in Nevada and the northernmost in the state.[13]
Design and architecture
The temple is on a 5.2-acre site on Ruby Vista Drive in Elko.[19] It is a single-story building with a gold-colored central spire rising to 109 feet.[7] It has a white exterior with rectangular windows and an arched main entrance.[20] The structure includes an instruction room, a sealing room, and a baptistry.[21]
It is expected to reduce travel time for church members in northeastern Nevada who previously traveled to temples in Reno, Las Vegas, or neighboring states.[22]
Temple practices & access
The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each typically serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff. Ken Bowler is its first president, with Robin L. Bowler serving as matron.[23]
A media day was held on August 27, 2025, followed by tours for invited guests the following two days.[20] A public open house was held from August 30 through September 13, 2025, excluding Sundays.[24][25] It was dedicated on October 12, 2025, by Gary E. Stevenson, with the meeting broadcast to congregations in the temple district.[26] It is the first temple since the Manti Utah Temple in 1888 to have been dedicated during a period without a church president in office.[12]
Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[27][28][7]
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