Marriages were often arranged and based on money, instead of love

Freedom was limited because parents played a large role in who you were going to marry.

They were usually wed, with their parent's consent, at a young age. As early as 14 for women and 16 for men.

Women v. Men: Women abiding by what their parents wanted for them was the standard, similar to Katherine's situation. These fathers generally wanted these men to be older and stable. Once married, it was largely the husband's opinions that dominated the household.

Poor v. Rich: There was a big disconnect between the poor and the rich of the time, if you were poor you got more choice in the matter because money wasn't a big deal. For lots of people though, it was really important that the marriage be financially stable.

Modern v. Old: The actual marriage was celebrated for a long times, it was a huge party that lasted for days of feasting, without the traditional vows and short party things we have. Also the consummation wasn't as big of a deal. The actual marriage didn't always mean they even lived together, only that they would have children and be financially together.

Love became more important in a marriage; however, in upper-class, arranged marriage was still very common in order to keep wealth in a family.

Marriage Act of 1653 changed the legal marriage age to 14 for girls and 16 for boys, but people started getting married later and later to allow for more of a childhood.

The Protestant reformation brought about the shift in views of marriages, and now marriages were more secular than affiliated with the Catholic Church, causing husband and wife to be viewed more like equals.

Women didn't have a say in their potential husband and if they disagreed then they would risk their future. Their father usually chose for them.

They didn't always exchange vows, they were okay with just saying I do with a couple witnesses around. They then had an 11 day feast after. Marriage was less of a happy celebration, and more of an event that had to happen. It was an event that they had to get over with.

Protestant Reformation had a big impact on the changes of marriage. It shifted away from a Catholic relationship with God mediated through a priest to an emphasis on a more interior nature of of communicating with the divine.