If you’re tired of dating apps with endless swiping, surface-level matches, and conversations that go nowhere, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly 8 out of 10 dating app users say they feel burned out or discouraged by the experience. Many people wonder whether there’s another way to meet potential partners.
That’s where matchmaking services come in. Instead of relying on algorithms or public profiles, these services offer a more personalized approach to meeting potential partners. Some even provide human matchmakers who help clients throughout the matchmaking process. In this guide, I cover the best matchmaking services available today, how they work, what they cost, and who they tend to work best for.
Service
Price range
Format
Best for
Coverage area
Tawkify
$6,000 or more (customizable packages)
Human matchmaker, one-on-one
Singles who want an affordable matchmaking experience
Nationwide
Selective Search
$50,000–$500,000
Human matchmaking
High-net-worth individuals who want a luxury matchmaking firm
Nationwide
Vida Select
$1,695+ per month
Human matchmaker and dating profile management
Budget-conscious singles who still want professional matchmaking support
Nationwide and international
Bonnie Winston Matchmaker
Free database; VIP from $20,000–$100,000 or more
Boutique human matchmaker
Celebrities and high-profile singles
Nationwide, NY/LA-based
Agape Match
Men pay $18,000–$100,000 or more, plus a $250 consultation fee. Women are free.
Boutique human matchmaker
NYC-area professionals seeking a selective search with relationship coaching built in
Nationwide, but mostly in NYC
EliteSingles
$34.99–$64.99 per month
Dating app with personality-based matching
Educated singles who want an updated EliteSingles member pool
International
The Bevy
$25,000 or more (men); free for screened women
Human matchmaker, referral-based network
Affluent men seeking a curated, referral-vetted introduction service
New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami
Ambiance Matchmaking
$25,000–$100,000 per year
Human matchmaker, hands-on
Accomplished singles in Ambiance’s core cities
Nationwide in the U.S. and the United Kingdom
Millionaire’s Club (Patti Stanger)
$50,000–$285,000 per year
Human matchmaker, plus date coaching and styling team
Verified millionaires who want celebrity-matchmaker access
While every matchmaking service has its own approach, most work in a similar way. The process typically starts with an in-depth intake, where you share information about your background, lifestyle, values, and what you’re looking for in a partner.
From there, matchmakers or internal teams search for potential matches using a combination of curated databases, professional networks, and sometimes external sources. Some services rely heavily on human matchmakers, while others blend human input with technology or app-based tools.
Once a potential match is identified, most services handle the introduction and ask for feedback after each date. That feedback helps guide future matches and improve the process over time. Differences between services often come down to how involved the matchmaker is, how curated matches are sourced, how much privacy is offered, and how much guidance clients receive.
Best matchmaking services
1. Tawkify
The Basics
Tawkify has been helping singles find meaningful connections since 2012 through a personalized, human-led approach to matchmaking. Instead of relying on algorithms or public profiles, experienced matchmakers hand-select potential partners based on compatibility, values, and relationship goals.
How Much Does It Cost
Client packages start at $6,000. Tawkify memberships are customizable, with options to choose different levels of support, add features, or adjust the number of matches included.
How Does It Work
If you’re interested in becoming a Tawkify client, here’s how it works. You’ll begin by completing an online questionnaire, followed by a call with a client experience specialist to discuss your dating goals and preferences. Once you select a package, you’re paired with a dedicated matchmaker who works with you one-on-one by hand-selecting matches, coordinating first dates, and gathering feedback to refine the process over time.
Tawkify is inclusive and approachable, welcoming singles from all backgrounds who are serious about finding healthy relationships. The focus is on finding your person, respecting your time, protecting your privacy, and providing personalized guidance throughout your dating journey, so the process feels supportive and intentional.
Pros and Cons
The pros are:
One con:
Accessible entry point. Packages start at $6,000, a fraction of what many high-end firms charge.
True vetting. Matches come from a private network of 3 million-plus relationship-ready singles, with background checks built into the process.
Blind-date format. You won’t see a photo before the date, which some clients find unnerving at first.
Best for: Singles who want hands-on, human matchmaking without paying executive-level prices.
The matchmaking company Selective Search aims to help busy executives and other professionals with outsourcing their search for a partner.
The Basics
Barbie Adler founded Selective Search in 2000, with the goal of using the strategies developed during her career as an executive recruiter to help professionals and other accomplished singles find love. The company claims to prioritize human intelligence over algorithms with its matchmaking approach, and they tap into professional, personal, and social indicators as a method for selecting potential matches.
The process begins with interviews and assessments to understand a client’s background and relationship goals. Matchmakers then conduct a personalized search using Selective Search’s internal database and broader professional networks. After each introduction, clients provide feedback to help guide future matches.
Pros and Cons
The pros include:
The cons include:
Executive-caliber network. Barbie Adler’s recruiting background shapes a search built around professional and social vetting.
Fully hands-off. Selective Search handles the sourcing, screening, and date planning for you.
Steep cost. At $50,000 to $500,000, it’s out of reach for most singles.
Exclusivity cuts both ways. The screening process and price point narrow the pool considerably.
Best for: Executives and high earners who want a fully outsourced search.
3. Vida Select
Vida Select provides matchmaking and dating profile enhancement and management services to clients.
The Basics
Vida Select provides a unique approach to matchmaking, where matchmakers and the Vida Select team first assist clients with updating their dating profiles, then conduct searches for potential clients through the company’s internal database as well as on dating apps.
Scott Valdez founded Vida Select in 2009 in an effort to help singles find compatible matches, get more responses on dating platforms, and enjoy a modern convenience for their dating journeys.
How Much Does It Cost
Package prices depend on the amount of time dedicated to each client. They begin at $1,695 per month.
How Does It Work
Vida Select matchmakers work with clients to understand more about their dating needs, then help them set up and enhance their online dating profiles. Once their profiles are optimized, the Vida Select team provides matchmaking and dating services, searching for potential matches and, if found through dating apps, messaging the person before sharing the phone number with the client, at which point they’ll take over.
Pros and Cons
The pros include:
The cons include:
Flexible pricing. Month-to-month packages mean no long-term contract.
Dual sourcing. Vida Select searches both its own database and dating apps for matches.
App-dependent. Some matches originate from dating apps, which may not appeal to clients trying to leave that model behind.
Best for: Singles who want matchmaker support without committing to a five-figure package up front.
4. Bonnie Winston Matchmaker
Bonnie Winston Matchmaker is a boutique matchmaking service led by founder Bonnie Winston, who has worked in matchmaking since her teens.
The Basics
Bonnie Winston has been involved in matchmaking for many years and leads a small team that provides personalized matchmaking and consultation services for singles across the United States. Her work emphasizes deep relationship compatibility over surface-level criteria.
How Much Does It Cost
Singles may join the free Date-A-Base, which does not guarantee introductions or one-on-one services. VIP matchmaking membership is variable and tailored to individual needs, with reported fees generally ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 and more, depending on services, contract duration, and the number of introductions.
How Does It Work
Interested singles can sign up for the Date-A-Base at no cost, where they may be considered for matches with paying clients or recruitment by the team. VIP clients receive more hands-on matchmaking support, including personalized recruitment, pre-date screening, and consultations tailored to their dating criteria. Feedback and ongoing communication help guide future introductions.
Pros and Cons
The pros include:
The cons include:
Deep industry experience. Winston has worked in matchmaking for decades and has a strong media track record.
Free database option. Singles can join without paying to be considered for a match.
Limited transparency. Reviews are scarce, and fees are largely custom-quoted.
Small client roster. The boutique model means fewer active clients at any given time, which can mean longer waits.
Best for: High-profile or celebrity clients who prioritize discretion over public reviews.
5. Agape Match
Agape Match is a boutique matchmaking firm based in New York City that only accepts male clients, with female clients given the option to enroll in the company’s dating pool for free.
The Basics
Founder and CEO Maria Avgitidis started Agape Match in 2009, focusing on helping busy professionals find love in the greater NYC metropolitan area. Matchmakers take a “360-degree approach” to helping their clients find love by tapping into their matchmaking experience and understanding of relationship psychology. Paying clients aren’t the only ones who can access Agape Match’s services; the company also offers relationship coaching, dating assessments, and the Dating Refresh Program.
How Much Does It Cost
Agape Match’s website isn’t clear on pricing, but online reviews and other sources note its matchmaking packages range from $18,000 to $100,000, with a $250 in-person consultation fee.
How Does It Work
Those interested in becoming Agape Match clients will first fill out an online profile, then have an in-person consultation with someone from the team. If they accept you as a client, you’ll select your matchmaking package, then start receiving matches and getting first dates set up. After each date, you’re encouraged to provide feedback to assist the search process.
Pros and Cons
The pros include:
The cons include:
Relationship coaching included. Beyond matchmaking, Agape Match offers group coaching and dating assessments.
Local focus. Deep expertise in the NYC dating scene.
Male-only paid tier. Only men pay for active matchmaking; women join a free pool.
Geographic limits. Most matchmaking and dates happen in person, which is harder to manage for clients outside the NYC metro.
Best for: NYC-area singles who want matchmaking paired with structured coaching support.
6. EliteSingles
EliteSingles is a dating service geared toward educated singles that provides matchmaking in its EliteSingles dating app.
The Basics
EliteSingles primarily works as a self-guided app, without a formal application process. Users take a personality test and receive daily matches through the platform’s algorithm, with free and paid membership tiers available.
The service was originally created by Spark Networks, but the brand shut down in April 2026 and relaunched under new ownership, SuccessfulMatch, with an independent member database. The relaunched platform also introduced Elite Select, a $499 per month tier that adds a human concierge for members who want more personalized support.
How Much Does It Cost
The EliteSingles app can be accessed for free, but users need to upgrade to a paid membership to connect with other users:
Three-month membership: $34.99 per month
One-month plan: $64.99 per month
Elite Select tier: $499 per month
How Does It Work
Once a user has downloaded the EliteSingles app, they’ll take a personality test, then fill in their profile and preferences. They’ll receive three to seven matches per day based on the results of their personality test and details from their profile.
Pros and Cons
The pros include:
One con includes:
Lower entry price. The 12-month plan starts at $31.95 per month.
New concierge option. The Elite Select tier ($499/month) adds human concierge support for singles who want more hands-on help.
No account history. Old accounts and match history didn’t carry over after the relaunch (owned by SuccessfulMatch), so it’s effectively a brand-new platform.
Best for: Educated singles who want a self-guided app, with the option to upgrade into a more concierge-style experience.
7. The Bevy
The Bevy is a matchmaking service focused on connecting successful, relationship-oriented singles through a curated, member-driven network.
The Basics
The Bevy was founded in 2014 by Greta Tufvesson and Nikki Lewis. The company prioritizes quality over volume and screens members to ensure alignment with long-term relationship goals.
How Much Does It Cost
Men typically pay $25,000 or more to become premium members, with fees customized based on the scope and length of the search. Women may join the network for free after screening, though free membership does not include active matchmaking services.
How Does It Work
Men who become paying members work with The Bevy’s team to define their preferences and relationship goals, after which matches are sourced from the screened female member base. Women who join for free are considered as potential matches for paying clients but do not receive dedicated matchmaking support. Introductions are coordinated by the team, with feedback used to guide future matches.
Pros and Cons
The pros include:
One con includes:
Referral-based vetting. Most clients join through personal referrals, which raises the trust bar.
Curated, small network. The company prioritizes quality over volume.
One-sided cost. Men pay $25,000+; women join for free, which some find imbalanced.
Best for: Affluent men who value a referral-vetted, low-volume introduction service.
8. Ambiance Matchmaking
Ambiance Matchmaking is an elite matchmaking service for successful, accomplished, educated singles.
The Basics
Ambiance Matchmaking was launched in 2002 by Leslie Wardman and Taylor Wade. The company takes a hands-on approach to helping singles find potential partners in 11 key locations across the United States. Although Ambiance focuses on the financially accomplished single, the company does seem to include other criteria in its vetting process, like education level, type of career, and more.
How Much Does It Cost
An Ambiance membership may cost anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 for a year-long contract. Alternatively, singles can sign up to join the free database, which does not include an active search.
How Does It Work
Every person who applies to become an Ambiance client is vetted and interviewed to determine if they will be a good fit for the company’s network of singles. Those who are accepted into the Ambiance family will have a matchmaker conduct customized searches for potential matches, presenting one to two per month. Matchmakers then set up in-person or video dates for approved matches.
Pros and Cons
The pros include:
One con includes:
Personalized vetting. Every applicant is interviewed before acceptance.
City-specific expertise. The team focuses on defined markets instead of spreading thin nationally.
Limited geography. If you’re outside its core cities, options narrow.
Best for: Accomplished singles based in one of Ambiance’s core cities.
9. Millionaire’s Club: By Patti Stanger
Millionaire’s Club is a full-service matchmaking company that helps millionaires and non-millionaires alike find love.
The Basics
Patti Stanger started Millionaire’s Club in 2000, then hosted the reality show Millionaire Matchmaker from 2008 to 2015. The company is still active and provides matchmaking services for clients.
How Much Does It Cost
The company offers several matchmaking packages, ranging from $50,000 to $285,000 per year. Add-on features will cost extra. Singles who are not millionaires can join the Millionaire’s Club database for free, but with this option, they’ll only be potentially matched with a paying member.
How Does It Work
If you want to become a member of the Millionaire’s Club, fill out the intake form on the company’s website. Then, after a conversation with someone from the team to determine if you’d be a good fit, you can decide whether to sign a contract or not. From there, you’ll be introduced to your matchmaker, dating coaches, and stylists, all of whom will help you along your journey to finding a compatible partner.
Pros and Cons
The pros include:
One con includes:
Full support team. Clients get access to matchmakers, date coaching, and stylists.
Celebrity credibility. Stanger’s Bravo background adds a recognizable name to the process.
High costs. Packages start at $50,000 and can reach $285,000 for Stanger’s personal involvement.
Thin review base. Public reviews are scarce, which makes it hard to verify success claims independently.
Best for: Verified millionaires who want celebrity-matchmaker access and don’t mind paying for it.
When you’re looking for a relationship, there’s no comparison
Tired of swiping with no real connections? Tawkify takes a fresh approach to the process. With handpicked matches tailored just for you and personalized introductions, we do the work so you can focus on what matters — meaningful connections.
92.1% of people find success with Tawkify
3 Million+ relationship-ready singles
200,000 Successful connections and counting
How to choose: What to look for when choosing a matchmaking service
When searching for a matchmaking service, here are the main factors to take into account:
Approach. Look for a service with professional matchmakers that takes the time to understand what you’re looking for and respects your preferences.
Types of matches. Find out where potential matches come from and whether the service matches you with members, people from a larger database, or both.
Process. Look for a matchmaking process that’s detailed and personalized, whether that involves in-depth questionnaires, consultations with a matchmaker, or ongoing feedback after each match.
Cost. Compare membership costs with your budget and what’s included in the price.
Features. The best matchmaking service will include or offer optional customizable features based on your needs.
Safety. Check how the service screens potential matches, including whether it conducts background or identity checks.
Privacy. Learn how your personal data is stored, protected, and shared, and whether it keeps your profile private until you decide to move forward with a potential match.
Reputation and success rate. Consider how long the service has been operating, what past clients say in reviews, and how transparent the company is about its overall experience and results.
Kickstart Your Dating Life With the Best Matchmaking Services
With so many matchmaking services available, the right choice depends on what kind of support you’re looking for and how involved you want the process to be. Factors like personalization, safety, flexibility, and overall experience can make a meaningful difference over time.
Tawkify brings all of these factors together in one guided experience, offering:
A personalized, human-led approach to matchmaking
Flexible packages that fit a range of needs and budgets
Customizable features based on your dating goals
Criminal record screenings and vetted matches
A welcoming environment for relationship-minded singles
Our track record speaks for itself: 92.1% of Tawkify-matched couples find success.
Choosing Tawkify means choosing to invest in your romantic future. Find your person today.
*All costs up to date as of September 2026.
Fair Use Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only. All content that is not originated by Tawkify is believed to be in the public domain. It is believed that this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 of U.S.C. Section 107, fair use is a permitted use that might otherwise be infringing, and the information in the blog post is for personal use. All rights and credit go directly to their rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Matchmaking Services FAQs
What is the cost of using a matchmaking service?
The cost of a matchmaking service can vary widely depending on the level of personalization, matchmaker involvement, and length of the program. Some services charge a few thousand dollars, while others can cost tens of thousands for full hands-on support.
For people who want a guided, human-led approach without extreme pricing, services like Tawkify offer customizable packages designed to fit different needs and budgets.
What are the health benefits of a meaningful relationship?
Research consistently shows that meaningful relationships can support both mental and physical health, including lower stress levels, improved emotional well-being, and a stronger sense of connection. Feeling supported and understood by a partner can also contribute to better long-term health outcomes. That’s one reason many people choose to date with intention and use matchmaking services when they’re focused on building serious relationships.
What is the three-day rule for dating?
The “three-day rule” is an old dating guideline that suggests waiting three days after a date before reaching out. While some people still reference it, many now see it as outdated and unnecessary. Modern dating, especially when working with a matchmaker, often encourages communication that feels natural and respectful rather than following rigid rules. This makes it easier to capitalize on chemistry after a first date.
Are matchmakers better than dating apps?
Matchmakers and dating apps serve different needs. Dating apps rely on algorithms and self-guided browsing, while matchmaking services provide human insight, personalized guidance, and a more intentional process. For people who feel burned out on apps or want more support, working with a matchmaking service like Tawkify can offer a more hands-on experience built to help you find real connection.
How much does a matchmaker typically cost?
It depends on the service. Pricing spans from a few thousand dollars for app-based matching to $500,000+ at the most exclusive firms, with most professional matchmaking services landing somewhere between $5,000 and $150,000. Tawkify sits on the accessible end of that range, with packages starting at $6,000.
What is the average success rate of matchmakers?
Hard to say industry-wide, since most matchmaking companies don’t publish audited success numbers, and “success” means different things to different firms. Tawkify is more transparent than most here, with an 92.1% success rate among matched clients.
Related Posts
Get Started Toward Your Last First Date
Try Tawkify today. We only accept candidates we believe we can match.
The current dating scene can be overwhelming. With more and more dating apps and
websites popping up every year, it can be difficult to know where to start and
how to sift through the plethora of options. To take that first step toward
relationship success, it might be time to hire a matchmaker. Finding someone
[…]
In the search for love, many singles are feeling burnt out by dating apps and
turning to other dating alternatives, such as professional matchmaking services,
seeking a more personalized and intentional approach to finding a compatible
partner. Understanding a matchmaker cost and the fees of matchmaking services
becomes crucial for anyone considering this dating solution. […]
The Need for Alternatives to Dating Apps Let’s face it: dating is hard. And
online dating is even harder. It’s the go-to method for singles searching for
love, but it’s got a lot of drawbacks. You might encounter profiles that
misrepresent the people behind them, an overwhelming culture of ghosting and
flakiness, or a sense […]