Physical attraction plays a part, in the sense that one shouldn’t be repulsed by their spouse.
Joseph, one has to be attracted to one’s spouse too. Its not enough just not to be repulsed.
That being said, I find that the more you know and like a person, the better looking they become. My sister once dated a guy that was really ugly – there was something that looked squashed about him. It didnt work out between them, but my sister set him up with her friend and they got married. After getting to know him a bit better, he no longer seemed ugly – he was a decent looking, nice guy. Turns out everyone in my family had the same reaction.
I wouldnt reject someone based on looks alone of the first date, unless they utterly repulse you. But it is part of the equation. Only you know how important (some people are only looking for trophy wives for example, so to them its more important). Only YOU are living in your marriage.