Choosing the right professional matchmaking service isn’t a decision you should take lightly, since you’re about to invest your time, money, and trust.
Selective Search, Kelleher International and VIDA Select are all viable options, but which one is the best matchmaker for you?
From cost to contracts to number of matches you’re guaranteed, you’ll see how these 3 exclusive matchmaking services compare, so you can decide which one is the best fit for you!
Selective Search vs Kelleher vs VIDA | |||
 |  |  | |
| Cost | $25,000-
$50,000 / year | $25,000-
$150,000 / year | Basic packages start at $995/month. Premium matchmaking starts at $1595/month, and Elite packages options start at $2395/month |
| Number of matches | Up to 10 | Negotiated into contract (typically 8-13) | Unlimited |
| Scope of search | 1 city for $25,000 4-5 cities for $50,000 | Local – $25,000 National – $45,000 International – $150,000 | Unrestricted; anywhere in the world. |
| Contractual commitment? | Yes – 1 year, paid up front | Yes – 13 months, paid up front | No – month by month service |
| “Hold” time | Yes – negotiated into contract | Yes – 12 months | Unlimited |
Let’s take a closer look at each matchmaking service:
Selective Search
Selective Search was founded in 2000 by Barbie Adler, an ex-corporate headhunter.
This exclusive matchmaking service is based in Chicago, and works with affiliated matchmakers all over the country.
They offer 3 different membership options:
- Basic Package – $25,000* for a search in one location.
- Elite Package – $50,000 for a search in 4 to 5 major US cities.
- Young Executives – $15,000 (for clients under 36 years old).
*Although we try to keep pricing updated, listed costs may not be current.
All 3 membership levels have a 12-month contract, but Young Executive clients can opt for a 6-month membership instead.
You are allowed to “freeze” your membership in 30-day increments. But you’ll have to estimate how much hold time you might need and negotiate it into your contract up front.
Basic and Elite memberships include up to 10 introductions. The Young Executives package comes with up to 6.
Becoming a Selective Search client begins with a 2-hour interview. You’ll discuss your goals, match criteria, and the finer details of your contract.
For more details, check out this Selective Search review.
Kelleher International
Launched in 1986 by Jill Kelleher, Kelleher International is headquartered in San Francisco.
Her daughter Amber Kelleher-Andrews joined the matchmaking service in 1995, which now has branch offices across the US:
Kelleher International offers 3 options. All of them come with a 13-month contract:
- Local search – $25,000, with the ability to add cities for an additional $5k each.
- National search – $45,000
- International search – $150,000 (includes a personal consultation with Jill or Amber)
The number of matches you’re guaranteed depends on your location, and how specific your “ideal partner” criteria is. Typically clients get between 8 and 13 “introductions” within the contract period.
The contract price is paid in full up front, and includes a year’s worth of “hold” time. That means you can pause the search if you need to travel for an extended time, or want to see how a relationship with a promising match plays out.
You can pause your membership as many times as needed, until you’ve used up all your hold time.
Becoming a Kelleher International client starts with a phone consultation. Next is a Skype session where the package levels, your match criteria, and other details are discussed in depth. If you decide to move forward, you’ll sign the contract and the search is on.
VIDA Select
Founded in 2009, VIDA Select takes a more modern approach to matchmaking.
No long-term contracts, no “hold” time, no pre-set number of matches. Instead, you pay only for the time you need. You can pause or end your service at any time.
Service is offered at 3 levels. Basic matchmaking packages start at $995 a month. Premium matchmaking services start just $1595 a month. And Elite package options begin at only $2395/month. All packages are pay-as-you go.
Package prices highly correlate with the number of hours that your matchmaker should devote to the search for highly compatible matches each month. Factors like matching criteria and the number of locations are taken into account.
Becoming a client is simple. It starts with a free 20-minute phone consultation.
If you decide the service is a good fit, you’ll have an hour-long interview with your dedicated matchmaker to discuss your relationship goals and “perfect partner” criteria.
VIDA’s team of matchmakers has the world’s largest pool of eligible singles at their fingertips. And that means an unlimited number of matches for you. You can set the pace, whether you want one or two dates each week or just a few high-quality dates every month.
