This handwritten register records notices of intention to marry in Auckland in the first quarter of 1862. Under the Marriage Act 1854, one of those intending to marry had to obtain a certificate before a valid ceremony could be performed.

The register recorded the name of each person, their marital status (usually bachelor or spinster, but sometimes widower or widow), their age, address, length of residence at that address, the location of the planned wedding, the person giving consent to the marriage (necessary if either party was under 21) and the name of the person officiating at the wedding.

The person registering the marriage (usually the intended groom) had to make a solemn declaration that 'there were no impediments to the marriage'. A fee was charged to obtain a notice of marriage and the notice expired after three months.

Notices of intention to marry recorded in this register only record the occupations of men – including labourer, farm labourer, solicitor and gunner in the Royal Artillery. The men ranged in age from 21 to 26, while the women were 17 to 26 (a widow). Churches and private residences were intended venues.