A Croatian Christian dating app is making real-life love connections

(Photo: Holydate)

In just one year, the Croatian dating app Holydate has made a mark in the digital dating world – particularly among those seeking something deeper than a swipe.

With over 32,000 downloads and a stint at number one in the ‘Dating’ category on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, Holydate offers an alternative for Christian singles looking for meaningful, spiritually aligned relationships.

In a saturated dating app market, Holydate has found its niche by prioritising shared values, faith, and life goals over casual encounters.

Designed for those looking to build lasting, faith-based connections, the app has resonated strongly with users seeking authentic, serious relationships rooted in spiritual alignment.

Holydate’s application process is carefully moderated, ensuring only those who uphold its core values – such as being single, respectful, and aligned with Christian teachings – are allowed to join.

This screening helps foster a safe and respectful environment where users feel truly understood and welcomed.

According to the app’s founder, Ivana Matković, this approach is working.

“We are grateful to God for every soul who has chosen to entrust their search for a spouse to Him through Holydate,” she said. Ivana highlights not just the impressive user stats, but also the daily stories, messages, and real-life testimonies she encounters – from parishes to parks.

(Photo: Holydate)

Among the many success stories to come out of Holydate is the heartfelt testimony of Martina and Stefan, a couple who met on the app and are now happily married.

Martina admits she was once sceptical of online dating.

“I used to think, ‘this would never happen to me – meeting someone online!’” she shared. But after praying sincerely with the app’s introductory prayer, she opened herself up to the possibility.

The very next day, she spotted Stefan. They both “liked” each other, exchanged numbers, and started talking outside the app almost immediately.

“For me, the experience was short but fruitful,” Stefan explained. “I met my future wife on the very first evening. A few days later, we switched to texting directly, and after our first date, we deleted the app together. It had fulfilled its purpose.”

Stefan and Martina (Photo: Holydate)

The couple got engaged just three months later and married within seven months of their first meeting.

“We both knew what we wanted, and we believe God used our wedding to evangelise our families,” said Martina. Today, they strongly recommend Holydate to others. “If someone truly wants to find a partner with shared Christian values, this is a good place to start.”

Beyond downloads, over 6,000 users have remained active for more than a week on Holydate, with daily usage in May exceeding 2,500 Android and 350 iOS users.

During peak times, from 7am to midnight, over 150 users are active on the app every hour – browsing profiles, exchanging messages, and engaging with community features.

(Photo: Holydate)

The app not only brings people together romantically, but also fosters a community of like-minded individuals built on trust, faith, and mutual respect.

Holydate reminds users that finding the right person isn’t always about swiping endlessly or trying to force connections.

“Our time is not God’s time,” Martina and Stefan conclude. “When He closes one door, He’s preparing to open another. You have nothing to lose – and everything to gain – if it’s His will. Perhaps your future spouse is just a few clicks away.”