If a Muslim woman wishes to marry a Muslim man, it is the duty of her parents to fulfill her wish. Rejecting a woman's preference based on factors such as wealth, position, lineage, or status constitutes a grave offense in the Hereafter. Do not prevent women—after they have been divorced and have completed their waiting period—from marrying the husbands of their choice in an honorable manner! This counsel is addressed to those among you who believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is purer and cleaner for you. Allah knows, while you do not know. (Holy Quran 2:232)
God has used strong language to indicate how those who believe in Allah and the Day of Judgment ought to conduct themselves. He states this to emphasize that those who deprive women of this right will be held accountable by Allah on the Day of Judgment.
A mindset prevails in society where even a woman expressing her own preference is viewed as a sinful act. However, during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), women did express such preferences.
A woman once approached Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and asked, "O Messenger of Allah, will you marry me?" As the Prophet (PBUH) did not wish to marry her himself, he arranged for her marriage to another man. (Source: Bukhari 2311, 5029, 5120)
The Prophet (PBUH) did not rebuke her by asking, "How can you ask such a thing without shame?" Shame is appropriate only for committing adultery; there is no need for shame when asking for marriage.
Umm Sulaym (RA) had already embraced Islam. Abu Talha wished to marry her. In response, Umm Sulaym (RA) said, "I have embraced Islam..." She said, "If you accept Islam, I will marry you." He, too, accepted Islam.Source: Al-Nasa'i 3288
These serve as evidence that women have the right to choose their life partners.
However, the marriage must be conducted through their guardians. Islam directs that guardians should not refuse.