Married Russian-born astrophysicist Sergei Gaposchkin.
In March 1934, Cecilia Payne married Sergei Gaposchkin, a fellow astronomer and Russian émigré. Their mutual interests in variable stars and collaboration on numerous projects enriched both their professional and personal lives. Their union signified not only a confluence of love and science but also cemented a partnership that contributed substantially to the field of astrophysics. Together, they carried out observations that led to the publishing of numerous papers, further solidifying Cecilia's stature in the scientific community.