Andy Petersen has been performing marriage ceremonies since 2007 in Grand County. He has recently expanded his services by offering ceremonies in winter on the mountain at Winter Park Resort.

He is also continuing a family tradition.

His father, Larry L. Petersen was a municipal judge in Winter Park, Fraser and Grand Lake and then a county judge in the late 70s. He began marrying people when he was a judge in Fraser.

In his youth, Andy would help his father prepare for mountain ceremonies by carrying gear to the mountain.

“My dad was a handicapped skier. He lost his leg in the 70s.” said Petersen.

Andy helped him prepare for over a hundred weddings.

“His favorite wedding location on the mountains was top of the Pioneer lift and brides would get ready in the Chili Hut.”

Andy was ordained as a wedding officiant and minister in 2009 by the American Marriage Ministry. Minister Pete is his business name.

“Most people who want to get married are not looking for a religious wedding.,” he said.

While his father was more serious and strict during ceremonies, “I am used more for a fun wedding,” he said.

Andy has performed weddings in Granby Ranch and Devil’s Thumb Ranch.

As on-mountain weddings become more popular, Andy realized the potential and is devoting his time to making it a business.

He works closely with Emily Jackson, Social Group Sales Manager at Winter Park Resort. The ski resort doesn’t require a permit if the wedding group has 20 or less people, Jackson said.

Jackson is seeing more interest in winter mountain weddings this year compared to past years.

“Andy is great to work with. He does a great job getting to know the couples and what they want.”

All the wedding participants must purchase a foot passenger lift ticket or have a ski pass.