• A staff dining room is still intact at Preston Castle, a historic building originally used for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school in Ione. Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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A staff dining room is still intact at Preston Castle, a historic building originally used for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school in Ione.
A staff dining room is still intact at Preston Castle, a historic building originally used for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school in Ione.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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The infirmary is seen at Preston Castle in Ione. The historic building was originally used for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school. During the months of April through August the building opens on select days for tours. less
The infirmary is seen at Preston Castle in Ione. The historic building was originally used for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school. During the months of April through August the building opens on ... more
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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The infirmary is seen at Preston Castle in Ione. The historic building was originally used for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school. During the months of April through August the building opens on scheduled days for tours. less
The infirmary is seen at Preston Castle in Ione. The historic building was originally used for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school. During the months of April through August the building opens on ... more
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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The infirmary at Preston Castle in Ione.
The infirmary at Preston Castle in Ione.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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A historic photograph of a dormitory on the wall at Preston Castle in Ione.
A historic photograph of a dormitory on the wall at Preston Castle in Ione.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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The dormitories at Preston Castle in Ione housed boys attending the reform school.
The dormitories at Preston Castle in Ione housed boys attending the reform school.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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The view from the front porch at Preston Castle in Ione. During the months of April through August the building opens on scheduled days for tours.
The view from the front porch at Preston Castle in Ione. During the months of April through August the building opens on scheduled days for tours.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Preston Castle is a historic building originally used for the reform school Preston School of Industry in Ione.
Preston Castle is a historic building originally used for the reform school Preston School of Industry in Ione.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Preston Castle, a historic building originally used for the reform school Preston School of Industry in Ione, is available for tours between April and August.
Preston Castle, a historic building originally used for the reform school Preston School of Industry in Ione, is available for tours between April and August.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Server Jacque Copeland lights candles while setting up for a wedding in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel.
Server Jacque Copeland lights candles while setting up for a wedding in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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A portrait of Mark Twain looks over a table setting for a wedding in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
A portrait of Mark Twain looks over a table setting for a wedding in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Server Jacque Copeland lights candles while setting up for a wedding in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Server Jacque Copeland lights candles while setting up for a wedding in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Murphys Historic Hotel has been in continuous operation since 1856.
Murphys Historic Hotel has been in continuous operation since 1856.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Murphys Historic Hotel on Main Street in Murphys.
Murphys Historic Hotel on Main Street in Murphys.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Marin Jernigan (left) listens to a speech during dinner at her wedding to Geoff Jernigan in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Marin Jernigan (left) listens to a speech during dinner at her wedding to Geoff Jernigan in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Guests of the wedding of Maren Jernigan and Geoff Jernigan clap after a speech during the dinner in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel.
Guests of the wedding of Maren Jernigan and Geoff Jernigan clap after a speech during the dinner in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Marin Jernigan, center, toasts with her guests during her wedding to Geoff Jernigan in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Feburary.
Marin Jernigan, center, toasts with her guests during her wedding to Geoff Jernigan in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Feburary.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Lauren Robinson snaps a photo of other guests at the wedding of Maren Jernigan and Geoff Jernigan clap after a speech during the dinner in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Lauren Robinson snaps a photo of other guests at the wedding of Maren Jernigan and Geoff Jernigan clap after a speech during the dinner in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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The Ulysses S Grant Presidential Room is seen at the Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys, Calif, on Sunday, February 19, 2017. Guests who book the room sleep in the bed frame Grant slept in when he stayed at the hotel in 1880. less
The Ulysses S Grant Presidential Room is seen at the Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys, Calif, on Sunday, February 19, 2017. Guests who book the room sleep in the bed frame Grant slept in when he stayed at the ... more
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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The saloon at Murphys Historic Hotel has Old West themed decor on the walls. The historic hotel is on Main Street.
The saloon at Murphys Historic Hotel has Old West themed decor on the walls. The historic hotel is on Main Street.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Animal heads line the walls of the saloon at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Animal heads line the walls of the saloon at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Ciara Karski talks with Eric Owens, right, in the saloon at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Ciara Karski talks with Eric Owens, right, in the saloon at Murphys Historic Hotel in Murphys.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Marin Jernigan (center) talks with her guests during her wedding in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel.
Marin Jernigan (center) talks with her guests during her wedding in the Mark Twain Ballroom at Murphys Historic Hotel.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Stuart Kelly, a season park aide, helps Ryan Sherman, Jennifer Sherman and and Emma Sherman (left to right) pan for gold at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Stuart Kelly, a season park aide, helps Ryan Sherman, Jennifer Sherman and and Emma Sherman (left to right) pan for gold at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Six-year-old Ryan Sherman participates in a panning for gold activity at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Six-year-old Ryan Sherman participates in a panning for gold activity at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Patty Dickson, 6-year-old Ryan Sherman, seasonal park aide Stuart Kelly, Jennifer Sherman and 9-year-old Emma Sherman (left to right) pan for gold at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Patty Dickson, 6-year-old Ryan Sherman, seasonal park aide Stuart Kelly, Jennifer Sherman and 9-year-old Emma Sherman (left to right) pan for gold at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Visitors to the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park participate in a gold panning activity. The park encompasses most of the historic town of Coloma where gold was found by James Marshall in 1848.
Visitors to the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park participate in a gold panning activity. The park encompasses most of the historic town of Coloma where gold was found by James Marshall in 1848.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Six-year-old Ryan Sherman looks over his finds while participating in a panning for gold activity at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Six-year-old Ryan Sherman looks over his finds while participating in a panning for gold activity at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Visitors to the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park walk along the historic Main Street in Coloma.
Visitors to the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park walk along the historic Main Street in Coloma.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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A replica of Sutter's Mill sits near where the original mill was located at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
A replica of Sutter's Mill sits near where the original mill was located at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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A replica of Sutter's Mill sits near where the original mill was located at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
A replica of Sutter's Mill sits near where the original mill was located at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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A sign marking Main Street in historic Coloma is seen at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
A sign marking Main Street in historic Coloma is seen at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Candlesticks are seen on display in the Blacksmiths Shop at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park/
Candlesticks are seen on display in the Blacksmiths Shop at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park/
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Dan Perkins works on a decorative metal piece in the Blacksmith Shop at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Dan Perkins works on a decorative metal piece in the Blacksmith Shop at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Dan Perkins works on a decorative metal piece in the Blacksmith Shop at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Dan Perkins works on a decorative metal piece in the Blacksmith Shop at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
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Imagine touring a 123-year-old haunted castle, then getting married on an expansive lawn beneath its tower-top snarling gargoyles. Or standing on the exact spot where gold was first discovered in California, then panning for precious metal of your own.

In Gold Country, there’s so much delicious history like this to be explored via a day trip, or even better, over an extended visit such as a wedding weekend or honeymoon. You might stay at the posh, 150-year-old Victorian-style National Hotel in Jackson — it was once was a brothel.

Or you might go rustic, and tour the working blacksmith shop at the authentic Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville (hint: check with the park for staging an old-time wedding, too).

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However you play, you’ll be sure to create lasting memories, for your own personal history to treasure.

Preston Castle

In April 2015, the 46,000-square-foot, 77-room historic landmark opened again for tours after being shuttered for nearly a year. The closure was needed for safety upgrades, which is not surprising considering the building debuted in June 1894 as the Preston School of Industry reform school for boys.

Today, the Romanesque-style structure is still under renovation but endlessly spectacular, towering in rich orange-red sandstone bricks topped by turrets and a soaring bell tower with scowling gargoyles, a slate tile roof, mosaic floors and a dungeon-like basement dug into the hillside.

While many people say the place is haunted, it’s also brilliant with history as the first major attempt in California to give errant youth a chance at a better life through education and job skills, instead of just imprisonment.

The building was also architecturally innovative — you can still admire the cylindrical water slide running along the some 300 windows as a fire escape and water and gravity-fed elevators. The castle and its 13-acre estate offer a breathtaking wedding venue backdrop, too.

Scott Harvey Wines

When Scott Harvey says his Zinfandel is old vine, he’s not exaggerating. His Scott Harvey Vineyard 1869 Zinfandel comes from what he claims are “America’s oldest documented Zinfandel vineyard.”

Its history flavors the wine; planted in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County 148 years ago, these “grandpère” grapes are distinctly briary and kissed with blackberry, fig and pomegranate notes. Crafted in old-world style, the wine celebrates its luscious fruit, in deep concentration thanks to the ancient method of not irrigating the vines so juices don’t get watered down.

You can find the just-released 2014 vintage at either the charming, Sutter Creek storefront tasting room or the newer, winery tasting room in Plymouth (ask staff for Zinfandel recipe ideas, too — favorite pairings range from fancy steak Bordelaise to comfy slow cooker beef brisket with Texas caviar). This winery is an undiscovered gem for a wedding, as well — the location isn’t promoted as an event venue, but individual requests are welcomed for storybook ceremonies overlooking estate vineyards.

Hotel Léger

Set in historic downtown Mokelumne Hill, the charming retreat is right in the middle of the California Mother Lode district on Historic Highway 49, an area with a claim to fame as once being the richest of the boom towns during the Gold Rush.

Built as a wood-framed tent in 1851, then moved to the former Calaveras County Courthouse building in 1866, the restored hotel now still sports its original stained glass bar-back in the saloon, plus remnants of the county jail’s original cells in the basement.

Even the landscape is historically notable, including three 150-year-old orange trees shading the courtyard swimming pool. The area brims with old mining sites and camps, antique stores and the shops of Main Street, which you can admire from your private room balcony.

The quaint hotel is popular, as well, for indoor and outdoor weddings hosting up to 150 guests in unique settings like the “Cave Room,” “Cellar” and “Old Jail.”

The Murphys Historic Hotel

Since 1856, the registered National Historic Landmark has welcomed guests like Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain, Horatio Alger, Susan B. Anthony, John Wayne and Charles Bolton, a.k.a. Black Bart, the “Gentleman Bandit.”

These days, visitors come for the nine original historic stone building rooms, plus 20 rooms in two more modern wings added in the ’50s and ’60s. Antique rooms offer the most color, such as The William Randolph Hearst Room honoring the newspaper magnate’s visit in 1878 and set now with a velvet chaise.

The hotel’s old fashioned saloon brings boisterous charm, while the parlor style dining room covers the classics in signatures like French onion soup, fried chicken and grilled horseradish demi-glace rib eye.

Weddings are a particular specialty, be they in the Mark Twain Ballroom with its gorgeous antique chandeliers, or on the Murphys Creek patio next to the babbling brook, complete with a small waterfall.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

This is where it all began, with James W. Marshall striking gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 and sparking the California Gold Rush. It feels like a step back in time in this 576-acre oasis with The Gold Discovery Museum featuring ancient mining equipment, horse-drawn vehicles, and nearby, a replica of the original sawmill where Marshall found glittering flecks of gold in the tailrace (the water current that turns a water wheel).

You can pan for gold, gather for “second Saturday” Living History Days when park docents dressed in period clothing share tales of the 1850s and grab a bite at The Argonaut Farm to Fork Café, which serves ingredients from Bee Love Farms of Coloma Valley.

For themed weddings, the park’s St. John’s Church was built in the mid-1850s, as a rustic white clapboard house of worship with a freestanding bell tower that now looks straight out of a romantic history book.

Sequoia Mansion

Formerly Bee Bennett house, the historical Victorian home was built by pioneer merchant and telegraph Colonel Frederick A. Bee in 1853 and restored by Nello Olivo winemakers in 2002. In between, in 1889, the home on Bee Street was bought by Judge Marcus P. Bennett, who expanded it to a 16-room mansion.

The historical spot now operates as a wine salon and wedding or private event venue for up to 250 guests.

Highlights include a bar with 19th century hand-carved fireplace, a wine cellar for private dinners, a window-lined Veranda Room, and the Empire Ballroom with luxurious wood floors for dancing.

Even if you’re not getting married, put this gracious place on your list for a visit to the open-to-the-public Nello Olivo wine cellar and tasting room in the basement. By-appointment private cellar tastings are popular, too, for fine wines paired with cheese and charcuterie.

If you go:

Preston Castle: 900 Palm Drive, Ione, (209) 256-3623, www.prestoncastle.com.

Scott Harvey Wines: 79 Main St., Sutter Creek, (209) 267-0122; or 10861 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, (209) 245-3670, www.scottharveywines.com.

Hotel Léger: 8304 Main St., Mokelumne Hill, (209) 286-1401, www.hotelleger.com

Murphys Hotel: 457 Main St., Murphys, (209) 728-3444, www.murphyshotel.com.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park: 310 Back St., Coloma, (530) 622-3470, www.parks.ca.gov/marshallgold

Sequoia Mansion: 643 Bee St., Placerville, (530) 870-9792, www.wedgewoodbanquet.com/wedding-venue/Sequoia-

Mansion-Sacramento