TOP LGBTQ+ MATCHMAKERS COMPARED: COST & FEATURES The right matchmaker depends on your budget, location, and what you value most in the search process. Some services emphasize complete transparency with photo-based approvals, while others champion blind dates to foster connections beyond physical attraction. Understanding these differences helps you invest wisely in your love life. Matchmaking Service Price Range Total Reviews Weighted Review Score Free Consultation Specialty Founded VIDA Select Starts at $1,595/month 417 ★★★★☆ 4.58 ✓ Yes Single professionals 2009 Denver's Cupid Starts around $2,500 74 ★★★★☆ 4.74 ✓ Yes LGBTQ+ singles 2020 Better Way To Meet Starts around $1,500 2 ★★★☆☆ 3.60 ✗ No Gay & bisexual men 2014 Bespoke Matchmaking Starts around $5,000 3 ★★☆☆☆ 2.19 ✓ Yes LGBTQ+ singles 2019 Friend Of A Friend Matchmaking Starts at $750 0 No reviews available ✓ Yes Single professionals 2013 H4M Matchmaking Varies by client 0 No reviews available ✓ Yes LGBTQ+ singles 2012 Report Methodology: The Weighted Review Score combines ratings from Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google, weighted by the number of reviews on each platform. To ensure reliability, services with fewer than 10 total reviews receive a confidence adjustment: 10+ reviews (full weight), 5-9 reviews (90% weight), 2-4 reviews (80% weight), and single reviews (70% weight). For instance, if a service only has a single 5-star review, their weighted score would be 3.5 stars. This prevents services from ranking artificially high based on limited feedback and provides a more accurate comparison based on client experiences. Last Updated: 11/03/2025 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * VIDA Select offers a great balance of cost, flexibility, and success rate, with LGBTQ+ matchmaking starting at just $1,595/month—no long-term contract, full profile visibility, and 82% of clients meeting someone within 90 days. * Sign up for services like Bespoke Matchmaking (starting at $5K) or H4M, which serves LGBTQ+ clients nationwide with a personalized, psychology-backed approach. * Not all matchmakers reveal prices or share photos before introductions. Denver’s Cupid ($2,500+), Friend of a Friend (Canada-based), and Better Way To Meet ($1,500–$4,500) offer services with blind-date formats and focused client rosters. WHY TRADITIONAL DATING APPS FALL SHORT FOR LGBTQ+ PROFESSIONALS If you're a busy professional who's spent months swiping through dating apps with little to show for it, you're not alone. The endless cycle of matching, messaging, and disappointing first dates consumes valuable time without delivering quality matches that turn into dates. LGBTQ+ matchmakers offer a refreshing alternative by handling the heavy lifting—vetting potential partners, coordinating introductions, and providing personalized coaching throughout your dating journey. Unlike algorithm-driven apps, professional matchmakers take time to understand your relationship goals, lifestyle preferences, and deal-breakers. They tap into exclusive networks of relationship-minded singles who've been screened and verified, dramatically increasing your chances of meeting someone truly compatible. For LGBTQ+ singles navigating unique dating challenges in smaller communities or seeking partners who share specific values, this personalized approach can makes all the difference. 6 BEST LGBTQ+ MATCHMAKING SERVICES REVIEWED First up on our list of the top 6 gay matchmakers... H4M (BY TAMMY SHAKLEE) After trying to help a gay friend find a matchmaker, Tammy Shaklee [/tammy-shaklee-matchmaker/] realized there was a market niche that needed to be filled in Austin. She launched H4M [https://www.h4m.com/] in 2012, catering specifically to the LGBTQ+ community. H4M opened its doors with her friend as her first client. Shaklee's matchmaking philosophy is centered around treating every client equally, with inclusivity as the cornerstone of her process. Although H4M is headquartered in Austin, Shaklee extends her services to singles across Texas and nationally. CLIENTELE "H4M", an acronym for "He's For Me", initially helped men seeking men. Over time the company has broadened its scope to serve all LGBTQ+ singles seeking a range of relationships. COST While specific pricing isn’t publicly disclosed, Shaklee mentioned in an interview that packages “fall within the thousands, not the tens of thousands [https://www.bustle.com/wellness/matchmakers-how-they-work-why-theyre-valuable].” WHAT TO EXPECT Potential H4M clients start with an initial consultation. You'll also be required to pass a background check as part of the client vetting process. Suggested matches come from H4M's existing clientele or candidates scouted on your behalf. All potential matches go through the same vetting process and background checks as clients. Once a prospective match is identified, the team will reach out to you with a description to see if you're interested. Keep in mind you won't be shown any pictures prior to meeting up in person - it will be a blind date. After each date, you're expected to provide feedback about how things went and if you'd like to pursue a second date. Shaklee and her team plan both the first and second dates for you. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT H4M You won’t likely find any reviews on mainstream sites like Trustpilot or Yelp. H4M does have a registered listing [https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/matchmaker-services/h4m-matchmaking-0825-1000172064/customer-reviews] with the Better Business Bureau that comes with an A+ rating. However, this is based on a single review that only gave the business 1 star. The individual mentioned concerns about the lack of quality matches. FURTHER READING H4M reviews [/h4m-matchmaking-review/] Apply Now [https://www.h4m.com/] FRIEND OF A FRIEND (BY CLAIRE AH) Freelance writer Sofi Papamarko established Friend Of A Friend Matchmaking [https://www.friendofafriendmatchmaking.com/] in 2013. She managed the business until 2020, at which point a former client, Claire AH [/claire-ah-matchmaker/], bought the service and took over. CLIENTELE A Canadian matchmaking service, Friend Of A Friend Matchmaking extends its services to singles across the Greater Toronto Area. Promoting a culture of inclusivity, they offer matchmaking services to all ages, genders, and sexual preferences. The service has a matchmaker specializing in LGBTQ+ matchmaking. COST The cost of matchmaking packages varies between $750 CDN to over $17,000 CDN. Stand-alone coaching sessions are around $100 CDN each. Matchmaking contracts are typically for 1 year. WHAT TO EXPECT Potential clients start with completing an online application. That will be reviewed by the team, and if they think you might be a good fit for services they’ll follow up. It takes approximately 10 days to get a response. If you pass the initial screening, you'll have a call with Claire AH to discuss working together. If you both agree, you’ll choose a matchmaking package and sign a contract. Next, you'll complete a detailed questionnaire which the team uses to generate your member profile. As a client, you're paired with other clients or members from their database. Opting for higher-tier matchmaking opens up the possibility of also being matched with singles recruited from dating apps and sites. The primary focus of the service is to encourage matches based on compatible personalities, not physical characteristics. This means that you won't see photos of your matches and will be going on blind dates. While there is no cap on the number of matches you can receive, the service does not guarantee a specific number of dates. Once matches are introduced through email, the responsibility of contacting someone and organizing a date rests on your shoulders. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT FRIEND OF A FRIEND Friend of a Friend Matchmaking, run by Claire AH, doesn’t have any reviews on platforms like Yelp, Trustpilot, or the BBB at the moment. That’s not unusual for smaller, boutique matchmakers—especially when they work with clients who value privacy and prefer to keep their experience off the record. FURTHER READING Friend of a Friend review [/friend-of-a-friend-matchmaking-reviews/] Apply Now [https://www.friendofafriendmatchmaking.com/] BETTER WAY TO MEET (BY LAMONT WHITE) Lamont Scales White has a history of providing therapeutic services to gay men and couples, stemming from his background in psychology and community counseling. His inherent desire to assist others, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community, influenced significant parts of his career. In 2014, White made the decision to offer a personalized approach to matchmaking focusing on gay men, leading to the establishment of 'Better Way to Meet [https://betterwaytomeet.com/].' White's influence extends beyond his matchmaking service. Fans of Bravo's reality series 'Love Match Atlanta' may recognize him from the second season, where the show offers unique insights into the personal and professional lives of five professional matchmakers. CLIENTELE Better Way to Meet works with gay and bisexual men. While the business is headquartered in Atlanta, its client base spans the United States. COST Basic packages, which are only available in certain US cities, start out at around $1,500 and offer 1 to 2 potential matches. VIP memberships are available for clients across the US and begin at around $4,500. This level of membership typically includes 3 to 4 potential matches. For additional services such as couples counseling and mock dating, you can expect to pay around $125 per session. WHAT TO EXPECT The Better Way to Meet process begins by filling out a matchmaking application, followed by an initial consultation that carries a non-refundable fee of $100. Clients have the option to select from either a basic or a VIP membership. Both tiers include dating coaching sessions and assistance with planning your first date. You'll be meeting matches that are pulled from White's database. After the date, both parties are encouraged to provide feedback. Men can also sign up to be part of the singles database, which also requires paying the interview fee. This level of membership is passive - you will only be contacted if your profile aligns with the preferences of a paying client. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BETTER WAY TO MEET Better Way To Meet only has one review on Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/better-way-to-meet-east-point-2], which gave the service 5 stars. The single review mentions hopefulness about finding a relationship. “I'm 54 years young and single, it's my desire to meet my soulmate with the help of the dating coach. I'm so happy to see something like this come to fruition.” FURTHER READING Better Way To Meet review [/better-way-to-meet-review/] Apply Now [https://betterwaytomeet.com/] DENVER’S CUPID (BY R. TONY SMITH) R. Tony Smith's foray into matchmaking began with his campaign for the Denver City Council, as he sought to enhance connections between community members and local government. During his time working with the community, Smith noticed that singles often turned to matchmakers who were from similar backgrounds or lifestyles. However, he discovered a lack of services catering specifically to LGBTQ+ matchmaking in Denver. Recognizing this gap, Smith launched his own matchmaking and coaching business, Denver's Cupid [https://www.denverscupid.com/], in 2020 to cater to the LGBTQ community within the city. CLIENTELE Smith has established himself as "Colorado's Gay Matchmaker," only offering services to LGBTQ+ singles looking for a partner. COST Like many matchmaking services, Denver's Cupid doesn't provide specific pricing details on its website. However, online resources indicate that their packages start around $2,500 for a 6-month contract. WHAT TO EXPECT Smith recommends potential clients start by submitting a basic profile for Denver's Cupid database via their website. You'll then be considered a potential "catch" for paying clients. Next, you'll participate in a no-cost consultation with Smith. He’ll go over the profile you submitted, and if he deems you a good fit, you'll sign a contract and the matchmaking process begins. You’ll be matched with singles from within Denver's Cupid database, or sourced from Smith's matchmaking network. The extent of this search can reach locally, nationally, or even internationally, depending on the specifics of your contract. Contracts typically span 6 months. Throughout this timeframe, Smith and his team will present matches and arrange the dates. Following each date, there's an opportunity for both parties to provide feedback. Denver's Cupid also hosts a variety of events and activities to connect with other LGBTQ+ singles. These include social events, workshops, and virtual speed dating [/expert-speed-dating-guide/] activities. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DENVER’S CUPID On Yelp, Denver’s Cupid holds a 5-star rating [https://www.yelp.com/biz/denvers-cupid-denver] based on fewer than 10 reviews. Many of the positive reviews share that they enjoyed the speed dating and mixer events, like this person: “I wingman'd my friend to an professionals-focused speed dating event and was amazed by the turnout and the variety of people that joined. Was impressed with the quality of the venue, how organized and helpful the event team was, and how comfortable I felt at what has historically been a very stressful situation.” FURTHER READING Denver’s Cupid review [/denvers-cupid-review/] Apply Now [https://www.denverscupid.com/] BESPOKE MATCHMAKING (BY CAROL SUGAR-BURKE) Carol Sugar-Burke, the executive matchmaker at Bespoke Matchmaking, completed her studies in business and psychology at the University of Toronto. After working at a dating agency catering to the LGBTQ+ community, she established Bespoke Matchmaking [https://www.bespokematchmaking.com/] in 2019. Based in Toronto, Bespoke also has a presence in several major cities across the US, including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. CLIENTELE Bespoke Matchmaking provides matchmaking exclusively for gay and lesbian singles. COST Specific pricing isn’t mentioned on the Bespoke Matchmaking website, but online service reviews suggest pricing starts around $5,000. WHAT TO EXPECT Prospective clients start with an online inquiry, followed by a 1-2 hour consultation with an executive matchmaker. During this session, you'll share information about yourself, your lifestyle, and your relationship goals. If you decide to proceed, a personal matchmaker from Bespoke will be assigned to assist you throughout the process. After selecting a matchmaking package, you'll undergo personality evaluations and coaching sessions before going on any dates. Suggested matches are sourced from either Bespoke's database or via Sugar-Burke’s network. Following each introduction, you're encouraged to provide feedback about your date to help the matchmaker refine the process if necessary. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BESPOKE MATCHMAKING The service only has a 2.5 rating on Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/bespoke-matchmaking-san-francisco]. The single 5-star review shared, “It was a big leap to try this, but nothing else was working. It has been a few months now, and it has been a great experience.” FURTHER READING Bespoke Matchmaking reviews [/bespoke-matchmaking-review/] Apply Now [https://www.bespokematchmaking.com/] VIDA SELECT (BY SCOTT VALDEZ) Established in 2009 by Scott Valdez, VIDA takes a modern approach to matchmaking that leverages the largest source of LGBTQ+ singles there is. CLIENTELE Professional singles generally ranging in age from their 20s to 60s+ who are looking for an effective and efficient way to meet their ideal partner. COST • Flexible Matchmaking: Starts at $1,595 monthly with no long-term commitment. Work with expert matchmakers at your own pace while maintaining complete control over your dating journey. • Accelerated Success Program: 5+ hand-selected matches you personally approve in 90 days for $5,750—guaranteed results or our work continues at no extra cost. For professionals ready to make their love life as successful as the rest of their life. 82% of our clients meet someone special in just 3 months—because expertise, when applied to love, creates the same results it creates everywhere else. WHAT TO EXPECT The process starts with a quick online screening, followed by a complimentary consultation. During the call, you’ll learn exactly how the service will work for you and choose the package that best fits your search. As a client, you can look forward to dates with relationship-worthy matches who check all your boxes. You’re in control of who you meet, as you’ll have the opportunity to approve every potential match based on a full profile and photos. No blind dates! VIDA also offers an array of additional services designed to complement the matchmaking process, including dating/relationship coaching and personal styling. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT VIDA SELECT On Trustpilot, VIDA holds a 4.6-star [https://www.trustpilot.com/review/vidaselect.com]rating [https://www.trustpilot.com/review/vidaselect.com] based on over 400 reviews. The predominantly positive reviews mentioned enjoying working with their matchmaker and enjoying the entire experience. One individual shared, “Helping me to stay in front of the game through skillful attention to detail.” And another person mentioned, “The staff at Vida were so wonderful—especially my matchmaker Nordika, who was helpful, thoughtful, empathetic, and super responsive.” On average, clients meet someone special within just 3 months of beginning their service. Why not see if VIDA is right for you, too? Apply Now [https://qualify.vidaselect.com/] MAKING YOUR DECISION: WHAT TO CONSIDER Choosing a matchmaker is deeply personal and should align with your specific situation. Budget obviously matters—monthly flexibility at $1,595 versus a $5,000+ upfront investment represents vastly different financial commitments. Consider whether you want to see photos and profiles before dates or prefer the blind-date approach that prioritizes personality compatibility. Geographic location matters too, especially for services with regional focuses like Denver's Cupid or Friend of a Friend. Think about your timeline as well. If you need results within a specific window—perhaps you're eager to be in a relationship before a major life event—services offering guaranteed introductions or shorter 90-day programs might better suit your needs than year-long contracts with no minimum match promises. Finally, review profiles matter. While newer or smaller boutique services may have limited online feedback due to client privacy preferences, established services with hundreds of reviews provide more confidence in consistent service quality. The most important step is scheduling consultations with your top choices. Most services offer complimentary calls where you can assess chemistry with the matchmaker, understand their process in detail, and determine whether their approach resonates with how you want to find love. LGBTQ+ MATCHMAKING SERVICES FAQ WHAT IS THE BEST GAY MATCHMAKING SERVICE FOR LGBTQ+ PROFESSIONALS? VIDA Select is a top-rated LGBTQ+ matchmaking service for professionals, with flexible monthly pricing starting at $1,595, photo-based match approval, and coaching support. Most clients meet someone within 90 days. ARE THERE MATCHMAKERS JUST FOR GAY MEN? Yes. Services like H4M, Better Way to Meet, and Bespoke Matchmaking specialize in working with gay and bisexual men, offering a range of pricing and personalized matchmaking formats. DO LGBTQ+ MATCHMAKING SERVICES SHOW PHOTOS OF MATCHES IN ADVANCE? Not all do. VIDA Select offers photo-based approval. Others, like H4M and Friend of a Friend, opt for a blind-date approach to encourage authentic connection beyond appearances. HOW MUCH DO LGBTQ+ MATCHMAKERS COST? Pricing ranges from $1,595 to $20,000+. Check out our comprehensive pricing guide [/how-much-do-matchmakers-cost/] to learn more about how LGBTQ+ matchmakers compare to other services. ALL PRODUCT AND COMPANY NAMES ARE TRADEMARKS™ OR REGISTERED® TRADEMARKS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE HOLDERS. USE OF THEM DOES NOT IMPLY ANY AFFILIATION WITH OR ENDORSEMENT BY THEM.
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