I was genuinely excited for Gus and Caitlyn’s wedding day. They chose to get married at the Elko courthouse, and I’ve always loved courthouse weddings. Caitlyn got ready that morning at the Elkotel Hotel, which was such a great choice—she had her hair done, spent time chatting and laughing, and truly enjoyed the morning. We pulled out her dress and details and took our time with everything, letting the day unfold naturally.

One of my favorite moments of the entire day

One of my favorite moments of the entire day happened right there at the hotel. Caitlyn shared a first look with her dad, her mom, and her grandma, and it was incredibly special—her dad’s reaction was immediate, her grandma was emotional, and there were many hugs and tears. I remember standing there thinking, this is exactly why I do this. Those moments matter so much. After that, I photographed Caitlyn on the hotel stairs, which I absolutely loved. The way she walked down, holding her dress, felt so her. We also paused at the doorway for a few photos—the light was beautiful, and the slightly rustic feel of the space fit her fall wedding vibe perfectly.

Couple’s First Look

We left the hotel and headed over to the courthouse. Photographer tip: we found a spot alongside the building with green grass and trees, and it honestly worked out so well. It was perfect for the first look and family portraits, and having everything so close together made a huge difference.

Elko Courthouse Steps

Now, the ceremony—this part made me extra excited. Gus and Caitlyn asked if they could get married outside, on the steps of the Elko courthouse. It was the first time a couple had ever requested that, and I loved the idea immediately. The courthouse steps gave us such a better backdrop than inside—no orange walls, no weird lighting, just open space and beautiful light. Guests gathered nearby, everything felt relaxed, and the ceremony never felt stiff or overly formal. It felt genuinely them.

After the ceremony, we took a few more family photos around the courthouse. Because the wedding was smaller, we weren’t rushed at all. We made sure everyone was included, and everything stayed organized without ever feeling overwhelming.

Lamoille Portraits

Once we wrapped things up there, we headed up to Lamoille for portraits of just the two of them. This is always one of my favorite parts of the day—it’s when everything finally slows down. Gus and Caitlyn could just be together without distractions. We walked around, talked, laughed, and took photos as we went.

I loved how their entire day flowed. Choosing the Elko courthouse simplified everything in the best way—no long drives, no complicated timelines, just moving from one moment to the next without stress. It felt intentional, calm, and exactly right for them.

An Elko Courthouse Wedding

As a photographer, I really appreciate days like this. The courthouse kept everything simple, and that always leads to better photos and a better overall experience. Gus and Caitlyn didn’t try to overcomplicate their wedding day—they planned something that truly made sense for them, and that’s exactly what made it so special.

I’m so grateful I got to photograph this day for them. The Elko courthouse will always be part of their story, and it was such a meaningful place for the way they chose to begin their marriage.

Want to check out their experience at the Elkotel? Check out this blog – https://www.bethkellumphotography.com/a-bright-and-bea…lko-nevada-hotel/