Weddings and Special Events
Saint John's Church
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is graced with the presence of a great church dating from the mid-1850s. Saint John’s has a wonderful feel to it, and is a popular choice among couples looking for a historical or rustic setting for their wedding. The church is in close range to some excellent reception locations. Saint John’s seats 65 and is available year round for weddings or other services, and reserving the church is easy and affordable.
Fees:
St John's Church: $600 for a three hour time church rental. Includes 25 day use passes.
One hour rehearsal (optional): $100
Refundable Cleaning/Damage Deposit: $250 (refundable as long as no damage occurs)
Liability insurance is required for events.
Note: Saint John's church is an historic building, built in the 1850's and has no ADA (Americans Disability Act) accessibility. There are no restrooms, heaters or air conditioners located in the church.
If you would like to make an appointment to view St. John's or receive a Wedding Packet, please contact the park Special Event Coordinator at (530) 295-2174 or Jerrie.Beard@parks.ca.gov. Or, you may visit the Gold Discovery Park Association's website (our non-profit organization) to download our wedding packet www.marshallgold.com.
History of Saint John's Church
The Catholic congregation of Coloma worshipped on this ground since the early gold rush. This church was opened in 1858, replacing a log church built two years earlier. On the morning of April 20, 1858, a dedication procession made its way up Piety Hill from the town, led by Father Largan of Placerville. Mass and dedication ceremonies followed.
After 1860, this little church fell into disrepair as the fortunes of Coloma declined and the congregation dwindled. In the late 19th century the building was repaired and was rededicated as St. Joseph's Church in 1890. Again the structure fell into decay, and in 1921 it had to be practically rebuilt.
Regular services ceased 10 or 20 years later, and local Catholics went to mass in Placerville. On April 30, 1969 the Bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento deeded the dilapidated structure to the State of California as a gift. In 1972 the State Park and the community working in partnership under-took a restoration of the building. The Bekeart family of San Francisco, descendants of Jules Francois Bekeart who built the gunsmith shop in the town below, provided leadership in this effort. Statues and Stations of the Cross dating from the mid-19thcentury were acquired, pews polished, and the altar furnished. The free-standing bell tower was restored and carries the original bell that the parish had cast in Sheffield England in 1860.The cross on the roof of the church appears to be of an Austrian design.
Picnic Site Packages
The park has three group picnic sites that can be reserved for an outdoor reception or event.
Group Picnic Sites
North Beach: $100. This site seats 120 people.
Beer Garden: $75. This site seats 75 people.
Marshall Monument: $100. This site seats 120 people.
There is also a refundable $100 cleaning/damage deposit. This fee will be refunded after your event as long has nothing has been damaged and no excessive cleaning is required. Vehicle Day Use Fees are required when reserving a picnic site. You can purchase parking passes through the special events coordinator prior to your event. Day use passes issued with a church rental are good for the entire day of the church event.
For more information or to receive a Picnic Packet, please contact the park Special Event Coordinator at 530-295-2174 or Jerrie.Beard@parks.ca.gov, or visit the Gold Discovery Park Association website to download our picnic packet.
www.marshallgold.com