201 Long Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06810 (203) 743-6095
Inside the Long Ridge United Methodist Church sanctuary: a vaulted white ceiling, a round stained-glass window behind a wooden cross, and rows of pews leading to the altar.
Long Ridge United Methodist Church · Danbury, Connecticut

Renew Your Vows Beneath a Steeple That's Kept Watch Since 1840

A small white New England chapel, quietly standing since the early 1800s, now opens its sanctuary — and the streamside room downstairs — for couples who want to say their promises again, surrounded by family.

Call (203) 743-6095 Plan a Visit
A Welcome

From Our Senior Pastor

Long Ridge United Methodist Church traces its roots to 1802, when the congregation first organized in the Starrs Plain section of Danbury. The chapel you see today was raised in 1840 — a typical old New England meeting house, white-clapboard and steepled, that has held nearly two centuries of weddings, christenings, and Sunday mornings.

We now welcome couples back for a different kind of service: a vow renewal, in the same sanctuary where so many Danbury and Bethel families have stood before. Rev. John Parille, our Senior Pastor since 2019, is available to officiate and to help you plan a ceremony that fits your story.

— Rev. John Parille, Senior Pastor

Two Rooms, One Afternoon

The Sanctuary for Your Ceremony, the Fellowship Room for Your Reception

Interior of the Long Ridge UMC sanctuary, showing the vaulted ceiling, round stained-glass window, wooden altar rail, and rows of pews.
Upstairs

The Sanctuary

A vaulted, white-plaster sanctuary centered on a round stained-glass window and a simple wooden cross — little changed since the altar was redesigned in 1942. Wood pews seat your circle of family and friends; the center aisle is exactly as long as it needs to be.

  • Wooden pews & center aisle
  • Round stained-glass window & altar
  • 1961 Baldwin organ for music
Downstairs

The Fellowship Room

Just below the sanctuary, our fellowship room and kitchen — expanded in 1955 and still the heart of coffee hour — is yours for a reception immediately after the ceremony. No second venue, no travel time: cake and toasts, steps from where you just said "I do," again.

  • Kitchen access for catering or coffee
  • One floor down from the sanctuary
  • Tables & chairs on hand for gatherings
A Living Landmark

A Chapel With a Long Memory

1802
The congregation organizes in the Starrs Plain section of Danbury, led by James Coleman.
1840
The present chapel is built near the site of the original 1820 meeting house — the building you'll stand in today.
1897
The church is enlarged fourteen feet to add a choir recess, stairs, and a small basement kitchen.
1942
Heating replaces the old wood stoves; the altar is redesigned and a stained-glass window added.
1955
A new, more spacious kitchen is added — the same room your reception will use today.
1961
A Baldwin organ is dedicated, still played for services and ceremonies.
2015
A handicap ramp and updated kitchen appliances make the chapel accessible to every guest.
What's Included

Planning Your Day

  • The sanctuary, upstairs
    Our 1840 chapel, pews, altar, and organ for your ceremony.
  • The fellowship room, downstairs
    Kitchen access for a reception immediately following.
  • An officiant, if you'd like one
    Rev. John Parille is available to lead your renewal service.
  • Step-free access
    A handicap ramp, added in 2015, welcomes every guest.
  • On-site parking
    A paved driveway and lot beside the chapel.

Every Couple's Day Is Different

So is every renewal — the size of your guest list, the music you want, whether you'd like the pastor to officiate or simply lend the space. Call the church office and we'll talk through dates, availability, and what it costs to reserve the chapel and fellowship room for your afternoon.

Call (203) 743-6095
Visit Us

Come See the Chapel

We're happy to walk you through the sanctuary and the fellowship room before you book a date. Reach out any time.

The chapel and its steeple seen through the surrounding trees.