Actually, that's inaccurate too. Men of that era tended to avoid marriage for as long as they could u til their family pressures them into it to secure the familial legacy and name.

They had more say than the girls did, typically, but it was not uncommon for men to be chastised, "it's high time you were wedded and bedded!"

So no, they didn't have much choice either, other than to escape to the priesthood or death.

Their brides were chosen for them by theie fathers. And sometimes shared by their fathers too.

How are your feelings now?