Ambiance Matchmaking Reviews [Best Service For SF Singles?]

Ambiance Matchmaking is a San Francisco-based matchmaking service co-founded by Leslie Wardman and Taylor Wade in 2002. Serving professionals across major US cities, packages range from $25,000 to $100,000 for 12-month contracts. The service holds 5 stars on Google (7 reviews) and 3.9 stars on Yelp. One notable policy: only VIP members can view photos before dates, with the company citing confidentiality as the reason.

Key Insights:

• Leslie Wardman and Taylor Wade co-founded Ambiance Matchmaking in 2002 after Wardman spent time as director of an international matchmaking company
• Packages range from $25,000 to $100,000 for 12-month memberships with up to 12 months of optional hold time
• Only VIP members can view photos before dates—standard members receive descriptions only
• Clients typically meet 1–2 matches per month, with all date details arranged by the team
• The service operates in SF, LA, NYC, Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Miami, and other major cities
• Ambiance holds 5 stars on Google (7 reviews) and 3.9 stars on Yelp
• A $225 interview fee applies to initial consultations (credited toward package if you sign up)

Our team has reviewed well over 200 matchmaking services, thoroughly examining their processes, client feedback, success rates, and more. With more than 14 years of industry experience, our reviews are grounded in extensive research and a profound understanding of the matchmaking landscape.

Ambiance Matchmaking was co-founded by Leslie Wardman and Taylor Wade, driven by their shared vision of providing a “one-of-a-kind matchmaking service for conscious leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs.” 

But neither Wardman nor Wade began their careers in the matchmaking industry. Leslie Wardman started in production and advertising with ESPN, while Taylor Wade studied International Business & Entrepreneurship. 

It was Wardman who made the switch first, sharing that she reached a point in her life where she was looking for ways to ‘reinvent’ herself. 

After spending 20 years in advertising, Wardman decided to shift her focus towards helping people find meaningful relationships. She considers that to be ‘the most important part of life’, as she mentioned in an interview with Voyage Chicago.

It was a colorful magazine article and a unique business name that piqued Wardman’s interest. She recalled the experience to Voyage Houston saying, 

“One day I saw a magazine article that had a bunch of bright colors and a crazy business name. That was enough to get me to pick up the phone and call to see what they had going on. I had a great time speaking with the girl that answered (we’re still great friends to this day) but she handed off the phone and at the time I didn’t know why. I was told that they introduced single business people all around the country.”

Unaware that she was stepping into a job interview, Wardman was invited down to their office. Out of 250 applicants, she was chosen as the director of an international matchmaking company, where she worked as a matchmaker and gained valuable industry insights.

When the company underwent a corporate takeover, Wardman made the decision to leave and establish her own matchmaking firm.

In 2002, Ambiance Matchmaking was launched, combining Wardman's matchmaking expertise with Wade's entrepreneurial spirit.

Wardman emphasizes that individuals should have their lives in order before seeking a serious relationship. 

As Wardman expressed in an interview, 

 “We feel very strongly that someone should have their ducks in a row before they go into something that is huge, such as (finding) a significant other or marriage.” 

This philosophy shapes Ambiance's selective approach to accepting clients. Not everyone who applies becomes a member—the team evaluates whether someone is truly ready for the matchmaking process.

Wardman has also developed a system ensuring that no matter who conducts your interview, the team gets to know you personally and takes responsibility for your matches.

The process begins by applying through the Ambiance Matchmaking website.

Next comes a phone interview followed by an in-office personal consultation. During this meeting, the team explores various aspects of your life including family values, work, hobbies, and leisure activities. There's a $225 interview fee, which is applied to your package price if you move forward.

According to Wardman, 

“At Ambiance Matchmaking, we have developed a system where, no matter who you interview with, we get to know you and will personally be responsible for matching you.”

Once you become a client, potential matches are sourced from the singles database, their private matchmaking network, or through recruiting efforts on your behalf.

When a match is identified, Ambiance notifies you with a brief description including details like eye color and height, along with their reasoning for the pairing.

Important: Only VIP members can view photos before introductions. According to their FAQ, this policy exists "due to the extremely confidential aspect of our business." Standard members receive descriptions only.

You can expect to meet 1–2 matches per month. The Ambiance team handles all scheduling, including making restaurant reservations. For long-distance matches, they can arrange video introductions through platforms like Zoom or FaceTime before you make travel plans.

According to Wardman,

“We’ve been making some introductions via Skype, Facetime, Zoom, etc., for quite some time now if there is geography involved. This way you can sit back and get to know someone in the convenience of your home prior to making big travel plans to meet. I think this is a very healthy process.” 

The day after each date, a team member contacts both parties to gather feedback on how the evening went.

Ambiance Matchmaking packages start around $25,000 and can range up to $100,000. Final pricing depends on how many matches you want to meet and the geographical scope of your search.

Package options include Local, Regional, National, International, and VIP tiers. Memberships are typically valid for one year, with flexibility to place your membership on hold for up to 12 months.

You can join their database of singles for free as a passive member. However, you'll only be contacted if your profile aligns with what a paying client is seeking—no active search is conducted on your behalf.

Ambiance Matchmaking has been featured in various media outlets. Here's what clients say about their experience.

Google: 5 Stars (7 Reviews)

Ambiance holds a 5-star rating on Google based on 7 reviews. All reviews were positive, with clients sharing favorable experiences working with the team.

Yelp: 3.9 Stars

Yelp reviews are more mixed, resulting in a 3.9-star rating. Positive reviews mention Wardman's matchmaking abilities and the team's professionalism.

The single 1-star review was from someone who had never been a client of Ambiance Matchmaking.

Ambiance Matchmaking offers a high-touch service for successful professionals seeking partners with aligned values and life goals. Leslie Wardman's emphasis on matching "equals" rather than pairing wealthy clients with younger partners differentiates the service from some luxury competitors.

The service works best for professionals in major US cities seeking values-based matchmaking, clients comfortable investing $25,000–$100,000 in a 12-month contract, those who appreciate having all date logistics handled, and singles open to descriptions-only introductions (unless purchasing VIP).

The photo policy is worth considering carefully. Unless you purchase a VIP package, you won't see photos of your matches before meeting. While Ambiance cites confidentiality, this means going on dates without knowing beforehand if you're physically attracted to the person.

For singles who prefer seeing photos before every introduction, VIDA Select offers a different approach. You review full profiles including photos and pre-approve every match before meeting. With month-to-month packages starting at $1,595, there are no long-term contracts—you can pause or stop anytime. 82% of clients meet someone special within 3 months.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free, confidential consultation to see which approach fits your goals.