Best Matchmaking Services

So, how does professional matchmaking work? These are the four steps of the matchmaking process.

1. Go through a qualifying process

Not all matchmakers will work with any prospective client. In fact, many of the services require customers to qualify for their services in myriad ways before they work to match them with a partner. Matchmakers will check to make sure their clients aren’t in any way already committed to another person before proceeding. They also will usually run background checks on all their clients for safety reasons.

Barbie Adler, the founder and president of the luxury matchmaking firm Selective Search, calls this the intake process. “During the intake process,” Adler explained, “our matchmakers conduct a detailed assessment and engage with clients in one-on-one interviews to get to know them on a deeply personal level. During these interviews, our matchmakers develop a robust sense of the individual’s personality, relationship history and relationship goals.”

2. Set matchmaking goals

The specific goals of the matchmaking company are important for clients to consider when choosing a matchmaker. Most matchmaking companies operate to match potential partners for a long-term serious relationship. If you’re looking for a more casual relationship, then an online dating site or app might be a better fit for you.

Adler describes this as one of the benefits of modern-day matchmaking services. “Modern-day matchmaking services work by bringing back the human element that is lacking in dating apps and online dating platforms — rather than placing the burden of curating a profile and swiping through a seemingly endless number of singles onto the end user,” she said. Following the interview process, “benchmarks for success” are set based on personal, social and professional indicators.

3. Add your personal information

In order to match clients with potential matches, matchmakers require customers to submit a range of relevant personal information. This is normally done during a face-to-face interview and lets matchmakers get to know their clients so they can create a profile and match them with potential mates from their client base or beyond. Matchmaking services usually initially require basic information like name, age, location and a photo submitted online to assess if they can properly match a potential client.

4. Meet your matches

Matchmaking companies offer a variety of services, including matching clients with a wide variety of people or a smaller, more specific pool of people. Larger national matchmakers who have lots of resources usually have a wider and more varied pool of matches. Smaller matchmaking companies tend to focus on particular niches, including only serving clients who have a particular sexual preference, religious affiliation or cultural heritage.

“This is a crucial step, providing both parties with the opportunity to get to know each other and test out their chemistry,” Adler said. “Rather than requiring a long period of texting back and forth, meeting up in this way allows clients to more quickly sense whether there is a real connection between them and their match.”

There are a few different types of matchmakers to choose from — it all depends on what you’re looking for.

Full-service in-person matchmaking companies

Most matchmaking companies use professional matchmakers who work closely with clients in person to get a good sense of their personalities and with whom they would pair well.

Aletha, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Maryland, wrote of her experience with a professional matchmaker from It’s Just Lunch: “Tanya has been my matchmaker for a few months and she has listened to all of my concerns and must-haves in matching me. The advice and perspective she gives comes from a place of looking out for my well-being. That gives me comfort. It's been quite a positive experience so far.”

Hybrid customer-driven matchmaking companies

A few matchmaking companies do in-person interviews to start then are more customer-driven after the initial interview. They offer internet-based platforms customers can use to browse potential matches and make contact themselves.

Compatibility algorithm companies

Matchmaking companies are moving toward using computer-based algorithms to match potential partners. They gather information about clients from their initial online screening and interview and match them based on personality (stated and inferred) and preferences, and then use a pre-programmed system to match up the best potential pairs.

While matchmaking services are available to everyone, certain people may benefit from using matchmaking companies.

Single people looking for a relationship

Single people who are looking for a relationship can turn to a matchmaker to find a good pairing. Many matchmakers have a reasonable selection of customers interested in a committed partnership. Ask the matchmaker to show you how many people they have in their database in your desired age range, and look at testimonials.

Divorcees or widow(er)s looking for new love

Adults who are looking for a new partnership but have been out of the dating pool for many years are good candidates for matchmakers. Matchmakers can pair them with the right pool of singles looking for partners in their age range, and they can benefit greatly from the pre-date guidance and post-date feedback.

People who are new in town

A particularly good client for a matchmaker is someone who is new in town. The benefit is greater to them than to locals because, even if they don’t meet a great long-term match on a date, at least they’ve expanded their social world. People who are new to a geographic area and want to meet more people like them can use a matchmaking firm for this purpose and hopefully find a longer-term match as well.

Anyone seeking connection

Matchmaking services can generally benefit anyone looking for a connection.

“In the broadest terms, matchmaking services allow individuals to protect their time, privacy and heart,” Adler said. “We outsource other critical areas of our lives to other professionals — such as accountants, personal trainers and lawyers — so it only makes sense to work with a professional in our love lives as well. It not only reduces stress and saves time, but guarantees that you will receive a higher caliber of service and expertise.”

Matchmaking companies are a lot more expensive than internet dating companies. Expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 a year for a set number of matches or introductions. This fee generally includes an element of coaching, such as pre-date guidance and post-date feedback, which is a key difference between matchmaking services and online dating.