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The first example of marriage in Pride and Prejudice is between Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. They are the parents of the 5 sisters. Families, including this one, always aspired to have a son if not sons so the house and grounds could be inherited without leaving the family and going to the nearest related heir. This would explain the large family. Their marriage was likely based upon physical attraction and social match only. They most probably married in haste and therefore did not know each other's true character and intellect, this is proven by the quote .
"Elizabeth's father captivated by youth and beauty had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind, had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her" (chapter 42; the Bennetts" marriage) .
This is almost identical to the marriage between Lydia and Wickham.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have not got a very good relationship Mrs. Bennett's intellect does not match Mr. Bennett's by along way. Mrs. Bennett is referred to as quite ignorant and immature towards importances in life other than her daughter's marriage and care. She thinks that her children should all be like her daughter, Lydia, flighty and over flirting, to secure themselves easy men. She is easily pleased and flattered by Wickhams false charms and compliments. Mr. Bennett on the other hand wishes his daughters to all be like Elizabeth, his favourite, intelligent, quick witted and full of life. He hopes that they marry to equal their own intelligence and status. They are compatible in status only all their other qualities go against each other.
Elizabeth was first offered marriage from Collins, who she duly rejected thanks to her father's objection "Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins, and I will never see you again if you do." Collins first intended to marry Jane, but on finding her already attached he changed to Elizabeth and once turned down then moved on to court Charlotte, which after a few days got engaged to.