From the way I understand it, during the times you are speaking of (old testament) there was a literal contract of betrothal. It was as you describe, with the marriage ceremony confirming the contract. It is not so now though and you must know this. I don't think that Elect said anything about a contract being drawn up for betrothal, otherwise he would surely have mentioned it and his issue may have been, "should we try and get her out of the contract."

Also, if I understand it correctly, in the old jewish system,it was the father who made the contract for the bride to be and her future husband. I don't think this is the case with Elect's sister.

Michele