Gus and Caitlyn’s wedding day started exactly how I love a wedding day to start. They got ready at the Elkotel Hotel, a popular choice for couples searching for a place to stay in Elko, Nevada, and it turned out to be the perfect spot for their morning.

When I arrived, Caitlyn was already getting her hair done. Music played softly, people were chatting, and everything felt calm and unhurried. Starting a wedding morning at an Elko, Nevada, hotel really sets a relaxed tone for the day.

While she finished getting ready, we took our time photographing Caitlyn’s dress and details.

One of the most meaningful moments of the morning happened right there in the hotel room. Caitlyn shared a first look with her dad, her mom, and her grandma. Her grandma hugged her tightly, and through the tears, all the candid moments unfolded beautifully. These are always some of my favorite moments to capture.

Getting Ready

From a photographer’s perspective, a few things really stood out while capturing Gus and Caitlyn’s getting-ready moments at an Elko, Nevada, hotel.

The first thing I loved was photographing Caitlyn in front of the window—the light there was absolutely beautiful. Before we started shooting, we cleared out anything distracting, like trash, lamps, and extra pillows that had been tossed on the ground. That quick cleanup made such a big difference, and once the space was clear, the photos felt clean and natural.

I also made sure to use the hotel stairs. Caitlyn walking down them became one of my favorite parts of the morning—those images felt romantic and authentic. We also paused at the entrance, which has a rustic charm that works perfectly for wedding photos. That area produced some really soft, emotional shots that I’ll always love.

Why Elkotel an Elko Nevada, Hotel Worked So Well for Their Wedding Day

Beyond how it photographs, the Elkotel is also incredibly convenient, which matters more than people realize. As an Elko, Nevada hotel, it’s just off the first exit on the freeway, making it easy for everyone to find, and there’s plenty of parking, which helps keep the morning stress-free for family members coming and going.

Because Gus and Caitlyn started their day there, their timeline stayed smooth—no long drives, no confusion. Everything flowed naturally into the rest of the day. Caitlyn arrived at the courthouse relaxed and excited, not overwhelmed, and that made such a difference.

If you’re planning a wedding in Elko and thinking about where to get ready, the Elkotel is always high on my list. It photographs beautifully, is easy to access, and allows the day to start in a calm, meaningful way.

Gus and Caitlyn trusted the process, trusted the location, and trusted me to document it as it happened. If you want to see more about this wedding, you can check out this blog where they got married at the courthouse https://www.bethkellumphotography.com/a-stunning-outdo…urthouse-wedding/