Master Matchmakers Reviews [Should You Hire Them?]

Master Matchmakers is a Philadelphia-founded matchmaking service run by JoAnn Ward and her son Steve Ward, known for hosting VH1's Tough Love from 2009–2013. Packages start at $2,500 for 4 guaranteed matches with no set timeline. The service works well for patient singles who aren't in a rush, but the member-to-member matching model can mean longer waits between introductions compared to services that actively recruit outside their database.

Key Insights:

• Master Matchmakers was founded over 20 years ago by JoAnn Ward and is now headquartered in Palm Beach, FL
• JoAnn Ward and Steve Ward hosted VH1's Tough Love from 2009–2013 and co-authored Crash Course In Love
• Packages start at $2,500 and include 4 guaranteed matches plus date coaching
• A non-refundable $450 qualification fee covers your interview, background check, and database profile
• There's no set timeline for completing your matches—introductions happen when compatible members join
• Members are matched primarily with other database members, though matchmakers recruit externally if needed
• The service holds an A+ BBB rating with over 10 five-star reviews

Is this mother/son duo the right matchmaking service for you? This Master Matchmakers review will help you decide!

Our team of experts has reviewed more than 200 matchmaking services, delving deep into their operations, success rates, and customer experiences. Our reviews are built on comprehensive research and a keen understanding of the matchmaking industry that comes with having 14+ years of first-hand industry experience.

JoAnn Ward founded Master Matchmakers in Philadelphia over 20 years ago. Her son Steve joined the business, and together they gained national recognition hosting VH1's dating reality show Tough Love from 2009 to 2013. The show followed singles through a matchmaking boot camp, with the Wards providing direct coaching and feedback on dating behaviors.

They also co-authored Crash Course In Love, which expanded on the dating philosophy they developed through their matchmaking work and television experience.

The company is now headquartered in Palm Beach, FL, this dating agency works with affiliated professional matchmakers in cities across the nation. Locations include Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Dallas, and Boston.

The process begins with an initial consultation, which you can schedule by filling out their online form, calling directly, or booking through their website calendar.

If you decide to move forward, you pay your full fee upfront and sign the contract. Before your search begins, you'll complete three hour-long Skype coaching sessions with your matchmaker.

The first session focuses on getting to know you—your background, career, hobbies, interests, and relationship goals. The second session covers what you're looking for in a partner, including discussion of past relationships and what has or hasn't worked for you. The third session is devoted to selecting your photos and creating your profile.

JoAnn Ward emphasizes getting to know clients in detail so she can identify partners who genuinely fit their personality and lifestyle.

Once your profile is complete, your matchmaker searches for compatible candidates. Members are matched primarily with other members in the database, though matchmakers will recruit externally if needed.

When a potential match is identified, you receive their profile and photo along with the matchmaker's reasoning for the pairing. There's no limit on how many profiles you can review. When you accept an introduction, phone numbers are exchanged and you coordinate the date directly. Meeting in person counts as one of your guaranteed matches.

After each date, you provide feedback so your matchmaker can refine future searches. JoAnn Ward's philosophy is that you don't need to meet a lot of people—just a handful of the right ones.

This dating service has an A+ BBB rating, and it's listed as an accredited business. They have over 10 reviews, mostly positive, resulting in a 4.43 out 5 star rating.

Positive reviews frequently mention the quality of personal coaching and the compatibility of matches. Clients appreciated the detailed attention from their matchmakers and felt the introductions aligned well with their criteria.

Both negative reviews were from people not happy with their matches.

Master Matchmakers offers an affordable entry point into professional matchmaking with experienced coaches who bring both industry tenure and media credibility. 

The service works best for singles who are patient and flexible on timing. Since matches come primarily from the existing member database, you may wait weeks or months between introductions while your matchmaker looks for compatible candidates. If you're not in a rush and prefer a lower-cost option with built-in coaching, this model could suit you well.

If you'd prefer a faster pace with more consistent introductions, a service with access to a larger dating pool may be a better fit. VIDA Select draws from the largest source of eligible singles available, delivering high-quality matches on your timeline rather than waiting for compatible members to join a database. With month-to-month service, you pay only for active search time and can pause or stop anytime.

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