Since you're looking for DC matchmakers, chances are you work the kind of long hours that don’t leave you with much time to go out and meet high-quality people.
Hiring a matchmaker is a perfect solution, but choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake. If you want to work with one of the best matchmaking services in DC, check out these 5 elite matchmakers first!
Kelleher International
Kelleher International is based on the West Coast. But they’ve got offices in 15+ major cities across the US – including Washington, DC.
Previously called Kelleher & Associates, this exclusive dating agency was founded in 1986 by Jill Kelleher.
Her daughter Amber Kelleher-Andrews joined her 9 years later. Together they grew the company into what they claim is the biggest privately owned matchmaking company in the nation.
Kelleher International Cost
Kelleher International offers 3 membership packages:
There is no set number of matches guaranteed at each level, as it depends on the scope of both your search and your match criteria.
Included in all 3 packages is 12 months of “freeze” time. That allows you to place your membership on hold should you need to travel for an extended period or if you want to see how a promising relationship with a match develops.
Prospective clients complete an online request-for-contact form, or they can call Kelleher International directly.
The next step is an interview (Skype or in-person) to talk about your ideal partner, dating history, long-term relationship goals, etc. You’ll also go over all the contract details and select a membership package.
LUMA Luxury Matchmaking
LUMA Luxury Matchmaking was founded by April Davis in 2010.
This exclusive matchmaking service is headquartered in Minneapolis, with a branch in DC.
Prospective clients can join LUMA in one of two ways:
- As a Passive Member
- As a Client
Passive Members are eligible to be matched with paying clients when you meet their ideal partner criteria. Having your profile listed in the database is free. But as the name implies there is no active search conducted on your behalf.
As a paying Client, you’ll first go through a face to face interview process. You’ll describe your ideal partner, relationship goals and history, and other background information. Each LUMA matchmaker works with 15-20 clients at any given time.
Once she has an idea of what you’re looking for in an ideal partner, your matchmaker interviews up to 40 Passive Members. She then provides you with at least 3 good matches based on her research.
You’ll then go on a short date with each potential match, after which you can exchange phone numbers if it goes well.
After the date, you can share your thoughts about the quality of the match with your matchmaker, so she can fine tune the search process as needed.
LUMA Matchmaking Cost
LUMA, formally known as “Cupid’s Cronies,” doesn’t have set pricing for each client. Instead, the cost of a membership package varies according to your ideal partner criteria, the scope of your search, your financial situation, and other details.
“Hold” time is available, but it will cost extra and must be negotiated into the initial contract – that means you’ll have to make your best guess as to how much you may need.
Expect to spend in the ballpark of $5,000-$10,000 for the basic membership package. Personal services like a to do all the planning, image/style consultation, and life coaching are available at an additional cost.
Further Reading: LUMA Matchmaking reviews
Exclusive Matchmaking
Susan Trombetti is the face of Exclusive Matchmaking, which she founded in 2011. This professional matchmaking service is headquartered in Annapolis, but has locations across the US – including a matchmaking team in DC.
Prospective clients must first have a matchmaking consultation, either via Skype for $350 or face-to-face for $550.
During the interview, you’ll describe your ideal match.
But don't expect your matchmaker to work from a list of “must have” traits. Trombetti doesn't believe a checklist should be part of .
Women can join the Exclusive Matchmaking database of eligible singles without purchasing a membership package. They simply pay the interview fee, go through the screening process, and will then be matched with clients.
Active searches are only done for paying clients. There are several memberships available, including the most elite package – VIP Platinum Matchmaking.
Exclusive Matchmaking Cost
Pricing varies per client, as it depends on factors such as your match and search criteria, and any coaching services Trombetti feels you may need to make the dating process a success.
Matchmakers work with a limited number of Platinum clients at a time, and you can expect to spend anywhere from $7,500 to north of $125K.
There’s a less expensive option for men who are single professionals between 21 and 32 years old. The $3,500 “Exclusive Introductions” package includes an agreed-upon number of matches that varies by client, but no coaching services.
Or you can forego the membership packages altogether, and opt instead for a “Bachelor Party.”
During this one-time event, you’ll meet matches that fit your ideal partner criteria throughout the evening. Cocktail party prices start at $4,000.
Further Reading: Susan Trombetti reviews
Three Day Rule
Helmed by Talia Goldstein in Los Angeles, Three Day Rule has been in the matchmaking business since 2013. There are 9 locations across the US, including a branch in DC.
As with some of the other elite DC matchmaking services on this list, prospective clients can join TDR in two ways – as an eligible single listed in the database, or as a paying client.
Having a profile in the database is free, but you’ll only be matched with paying clients when you meet their search criteria.
To work proactively with a matchmaker, you’ll need to purchase a membership and sign a contract.
Three Day Rule Cost
There are three options, depending on your time frame and how many eligible singles you want to meet:
Three Day Rule also provides “Dating Strategy Services.”
These are 50-minute Skype sessions where you’ll get date coaching and advice. The sessions cost extra, and can be purchased 1 or 2 at a time, or in packs of 10.
As for your matches, those come from three places:
- The Three Day Rule database
- Your matchmaker’s “personal network”
- Dating sites they have partnered with, like Match.com, OkCupid, and JDate
When a prospective match is identified, your matchmaker will interview that person to make sure they fit your criteria. Then you’ll be sent a photo and a bio. That counts toward your match quota, even if you aren’t interested in meeting them.
If you are intrigued, contact info is exchanged and it’s on the two of you to set up a date. You can then share any feedback you may have with your matchmaker as to the quality of the match afterwards.
Further Reading: Three Day Rule reviews
Love By Leora (Leora Hoffman Associates)
If you’re 50+, Leora Hoffman is one of the best matchmakers in the DC metro area to consider. She specializes in matchmaking services for baby boomers, and has been doing it since 1989.
Having your profile included in her database of eligible singles is free, provided you pass her screening process and agree to follow her membership guidelines.
Among other things, members are asked to plan on meeting each referral at least twice. That takes the pressure off the first date. She also encourages matches to talk on the phone rather than text. Members are also asked to share post-date feedback with Hoffman.
You’ll be paired with paying clients if/when you happen to meet their ‘perfect match’ criteria, but she won’t actively be looking for matches on your behalf.
This DC matchmaker does not guarantee a certain number of matches for paying clients.
Leora Hoffman's Matchmaking Process
She focuses on a ‘quality over quantity’ approach, and tailors her membership packages according to the length of time she’ll personally devote to your search.
There are 3 membership levels:
- Basic
- Executive Search
- Premier
All three memberships come with 12 months worth of active search time. It can be used over a 2-year window. That means you can pause and resume your search as needed, but all your active search time must be used within 2 years of signing your contract.
The Executive Search and Premier levels come with an “action plan” that allows you to track your matchmaker’s recruitment efforts on a quarterly basis.
The Premier membership includes a session with a pro photographer and an image consultant, as well as a personality test administered by a licensed psychologist and a 3-hour “relationship readiness course” taught by a licensed social worker.
Prospective clients start with a personal interview, during which your relationship and life goals, perfect partner description, and dating history will be discussed.
You’ll also learn how much her matchmaking services will cost you, as the membership prices vary per client.
Consider A More Modern Approach To DC Matchmaking
Any of the exclusive DC matchmakers on this list could be a good option for you – they’ve all been in the matchmaking game for quite a while, which is always a good sign.
It all boils down to how comfortable you feel with your matchmaker after the initial consultation.
That’s key, because you’ll likely be signing a lengthy non-refundable contract and paying most (if not all) of the membership costs up front.
That doesn’t give you much recourse if you’re not satisfied with the number or quality of your matches.
Or maybe you’d feel more comfortable with a more flexible approach to matchmaking?
At VIDA Select, our elite matchmakers know you can’t expect true love to follow a timeline. That’s why you pay only for each month you want service, and you can pause or restart your search at any time.
You’ll never have to worry about paying for search time you don’t need or want!
VIDA’s matchmaking team has access to DC’s largest database of local singles, and you’ll get to approve every single match.
Even better, you’re not limited to a set number of matches – you can on as many high-quality dates as you want. You set the pace.
When it comes to finding your soulmate, don’t you want to work with one of the best matchmaking services in DC?
See if VIDA is the right fit for you – schedule your low-key, confidential, complimentary consultation with one of our matchmaking experts today.
Just click here to get started!
