Is love necessary for a valid marriage?

[Fen]

I have been reading a book on Eleanor of Aquitaine and in it I find many instances of marriage between people for financial and dynastic reasons. Obviously this was common practice but I was wondering how so many Catholic priests could have participated in this. Isn’t it a misuse of the sacrament?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Recommended reading:

• [Are forced marriages valid? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=180314)
• [Do you have to be “in love” to get married? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=89887)