Forget the usual hotel ballroom or backyard barbecue – some celebrations deserve their private island. Across the United States, dozens of islands offer exclusive rental opportunities where you and your guests can party without neighbors complaining about the music or random strangers photobombing your wedding pictures. These range from luxurious tropical retreats with full staff to rustic camping islands where you bring everything yourself, but they all share one magical quality: complete privacy surrounded by water.
Most of these islands cater to special events like weddings, corporate retreats, or milestone birthdays, where having your piece of America feels worth the splurge. Here is a list of 16 US islands you can rent for your next private celebration.
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
While you can’t rent the entire island, exclusive estates on Nantucket offer private beachfront celebrations away from the public eye. Properties like the Sankaty Head compound provide mansion accommodations with private beach access for groups of up to 50 people.
The island’s strict development rules mean your private party won’t be interrupted by commercial tourism or crowded public beaches.
Little Palm Island, Florida
This adults-only resort in the Florida Keys can be rented exclusively for private events, giving you access to 5.5 acres of tropical paradise about three miles offshore. The island accommodates up to 60 guests in luxury bungalows scattered among coconut palms and pristine beaches.
Seaplane transfers add an extra touch of glamour, making guests feel like celebrities arriving at their private film festival.
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Drummond Island, Michigan
Located in the Great Lakes, Drummond Island offers several private rental properties, including entire lodges that can accommodate large groups for hunting, fishing, or family reunions. The island’s 136 square miles provide plenty of space for outdoor activities like ATV riding, hiking, and campfire gatherings.
Michigan’s four-season climate means you can rent these properties year-round, though summer offers the best weather for outdoor celebrations.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Several historic mansions on Block Island offer exclusive rental opportunities for weddings and special events, complete with ocean views and Victorian-era charm. Properties like the Spring House Hotel can be rented entirely for private parties of up to 200 guests.
The island’s compact size means your celebration becomes the main event happening on Block Island that weekend, creating a festival atmosphere for your group.
Catalina Island, California
While you can’t rent all of Catalina, several private estates and venues offer exclusive spaces ideal for celebrations of 20 to 100 people. The island’s year-round mild climate and dramatic Pacific coastline create a backdrop that makes every party feel like a destination wedding.
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Star Island, New Hampshire
This 46-acre island in the Isles of Shoals can be rented exclusively for conferences, weddings, and family reunions through the Star Island Corporation. The historic hotel accommodates up to 200 guests with family-style dining and evening programs in a setting that feels like summer camp for adults.
The island’s car-free environment and shared meal traditions create an instant sense of community among your guests.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
While Mackinac Island has public areas, several grand hotels and private estates offer exclusive rental opportunities for groups wanting their piece of this car-free paradise. The Grand Hotel’s private event spaces and mansion rentals can accommodate everything from intimate weddings to corporate retreats for several hundred people.
Horse-drawn carriage transfers and Victorian architecture make every event feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
Montauk Point, New York
While Montauk is part of mainland Long Island, its remote tip and private oceanfront estates create an island-like atmosphere of secluded luxury. Properties like the Montauk Yacht Club can be rented exclusively for events of up to 300 guests with full catering and event planning services.
The dramatic lighthouse setting and Atlantic Ocean views create a romantic backdrop that rivals any actual island destination.
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Key Largo, Florida
Several private islands in the Key Largo area offer exclusive rental opportunities for groups wanting their tropical paradise without leaving US waters. Properties range from rustic camping islands where you bring everything to luxury resorts with full staff and gourmet catering.
The shallow, crystal-clear waters around these islands make them perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities that keep guests entertained between party events.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Historic cottages and modern resorts on Jekyll Island can be rented exclusively for private events, offering Southern charm with Atlantic coastal beauty. The Jekyll Island Club Resort provides exclusive access to championship golf courses, pristine beaches, and historic millionaire cottages for groups of up to 500 people.
The island’s protected status as a state park ensures your private party happens in an environment that will never be overdeveloped.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Exclusive estates throughout Martha’s Vineyard offer private rental opportunities ranging from historic whaling captain mansions to modern architectural masterpieces. Properties can accommodate groups of 20 to 200 guests, offering full event planning services and catering from the island’s renowned restaurants.
The Vineyard’s sophisticated culture means your private party automatically has access to world-class food, wine, and entertainment options.
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Shelter Island, New York
Nestled between Long Island’s North and South Forks, Shelter Island offers several private estates perfect for exclusive rentals with easy access from New York City. The island’s quiet, residential character means private parties don’t compete with commercial tourism or nightlife distractions.
Ferry access keeps the island feeling remote while remaining logistically simple for guests traveling from major metropolitan areas.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
South Bass Island, home to the village of Put-in-Bay, offers several private rental opportunities on Lake Erie including historic mansions and modern event venues. The island’s party-friendly culture means your private celebration fits right into the local atmosphere of festivals and celebrations.
Lake Erie’s calm waters and numerous nearby islands create opportunities for boat excursions and water sports that add adventure to your private party.
Fire Island, New York
Several communities on Fire Island offer private house rentals and exclusive beach access, perfect for groups wanting their stretch of the Atlantic coastline. The car-free environment and close-knit community atmosphere make private parties feel more intimate and connected.
Summer rentals include access to private beaches, tennis courts, and yacht club facilities that create a resort-like experience without resort crowds.
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Peaks Island, Maine
Just off Portland, Peaks Island offers several private rental properties, including historic inns and waterfront estates perfect for New England-style celebrations. The island’s small year-round population of 800 people creates a quiet, residential atmosphere where your private party becomes a special community event.
Lobster boat access and traditional Maine seafood add authentic local flavor that no mainland venue could replicate.
Angel Island, California
While most of Angel Island operates as a state park, certain facilities can be rented exclusively for private events, offering 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay. The island’s immigration station history adds cultural significance to celebrations, while hiking trails and pristine beaches provide natural entertainment for guests.
Ferry access from San Francisco makes logistics simple, while the island location ensures complete privacy from city distractions.
When Paradise Comes With a Guest List
These private island rentals represent the ultimate American dream – the ability to temporarily own your piece of paradise for the people who matter most to you. Unlike destination weddings in foreign countries, these domestic islands offer the exotic feel of island life with the legal simplicity and familiar customs of staying within US borders.
Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime celebration or creating annual traditions with extended family, these islands prove that sometimes the best parties happen when you can control not just the guest list but the entire geography. The memories made on your private island don’t just last a lifetime – they become the stories your family tells for generations, turning a single weekend into legendary family history.
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