Guardian Soulmates online dating site closing after more than 15 years

‘We’ve come a long way and are very proud of all the thousands of people we’ve helped introduce,’ team states

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Online dating site Guardian Soulmates is to close this summer after more than 15 years.

Since launching in July 2004, Guardian Soulmates has provided subscribers with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals looking for love.

The site claims to attract 15,000 new users every month and in 2014 received the “Daters’ Favourite Website” accolade at the UK Dating Awards.

However, the team behind the site stated that online dating site has become “a very different place” in comparison to when it was first launched, with the rise of dating apps.

The team describes the site as having become a "very little fish in a very big pool".

“To keep up with the changing times we’d need to invest heavily in new technology and develop a new way of operating, and it’s just not viable,” they said.

“While we love Guardian Soulmates, it is the right time for us to bow out. We do so with a heavy heart, but with incredible memories and happiness for the relationships we have helped to create that will live on.”

Guardian Soulmates is due to formally close at the end of June this year.

Users can continue using the site up until that point, with messaging made “free and open for all members to use” in the meantime.

The team is currently processing refunds, stating: “Users with existing subscriptions will be refunded for days paid beyond and including 14th May.” All refunds are expected to have been processed by 14 June.

Several Twitter users expressed their sadness over the news of Guardian Soulmates’ closure.

“Wow. I owe you a lot,” one person tweeted. “You were the classiest act in town.

“You brought people a lot of happiness and ran your business with dignity! Unlike most dating sites. Goodbye and thank you so much!”​​

Someone else said that they met their wife through the site, with whom they know have two children.

Justin Myers, the journalist behind The Guyliner, said the blogging site “would never have existed” without Guardian Soulmates.

Another Twitter user shared a photograph from their wedding day, writing: “I’m absolutely gutted. I never got the chance to say a HUGE thank you to you for being the reason I met my beautiful husband – six years ago! Thank you so much.”