That was pretty much the Old Testament view. The wedding was just a formality.
This is a child support case. Apparently there is a difference with Indian law. Only married women can sue for support. Thus for purposes of child support, a marriage was established. In the USA, thanks to the ABA model family court law project, we essentially have uniform paternity law which is used to esblish child support obligations.
This article is more sensation than substance.
Actually, in OT times they didn’t really have what we would call a wedding. It basically consisted of the father leading his daughter publicly through town and handing her over to the husband. Not much in way of ceremony.