CEDAR FALLS - At first glance, there's nothing unusual about two University of Northern Iowa professors marrying. Many professors fall in love and marry a colleague. Nor is there anything unusual about them getting married after reaching 50-something.

However, it does break ground when the newlyweds are women. Married to each other.

Rebecca Burkhardt, professor of music and director of the UNI orchestra, and Cynthia Goatley, professor of theater and an actress and director, recently traveled to California and tied the knot legally.

They're now officially married, at least in California, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, though their wedded bliss isn't legally recognized in Iowa. Iowa legalized it for a day, literally, but that judge's decision was struck down, and the matter is still under appeal.

Gay Iowans still must either travel to one of the coasts to tie the knot or settle for a private commitment ceremony in Iowa.

"We were vacationing in California anyway and decided we wanted to be married," said Goatley. "We've been together five years and knew it was time to take the relationship to a more committed level."

Burkhardt agreed. "It was a civil marriage ceremony in San Francisco, and just what we wanted."

Why not just seek a private commitment ceremony and avoid the controversy over same-sex marriage?

"Both Rebecca and I needed to make a public affirmation of our love, and a marriage ceremony does that," said Goatley. "We're both happy we did it, and we're now making sure that we have some legal rights in Iowa."

That hasn't been easy. They have to declare they both own the house where they now reside and need to find a way to become full beneficiaries should the other pass away - just like "straight" couples. They also must seek full medical power of attorney so they have visitation rights in the hospital, should that become necessary.

"Those are the rights that married people have, so we think we deserve those just like any married couple. Under current Iowa law we do not have nor will we ever have the same survivorship rights as married couples," Burkhardt said.

The couple preferred a traditional ceremony with family present but didn't have time to get that together in California. Before their San Francisco wedding they traveled to Texas, where Burkhardt's father, an ordained Methodist minister, performed a "blessing" ceremony that was similar to the usual nuptials.

Her father can't perform same-sex marriages without risking losing his ministerial status, so the ceremony offered the celebratory features they sought, while the California service made it legal - at least partially.

They've both been touched at how well their marriage has been received by colleagues and students.

Friends put on a wedding shower, offering toasts, speeches and celebratory remarks. Goatley's theater students "have been nothing but happy for me," as she put it.

"They're curious and supportive, and I was surprised by their excitement."

Though they haven't publicized the marriage widely until now, both professors feel they can handle any disapproval.

"We think it's a human rights issue, and deciding whom you want to marry is a basic right that we exercised," Goatley said. "What could be more American than that? If people don't like it, they're probably operating out of a phantom fear spread by conservative groups."

Burkhardt reflected on how their marriage has affected their relationship. "Feeling married has strengthened our relationship. The witnessing of our commitment by family, friends, and the legal establishment supports our decision to be and stay a couple even when times are hard. When we fight - which we do occasionally - we both know this is a serious commitment and we have to work it out. Both of us appreciate that deeper connection."

One unexpected outcome occurred in California. Because of the huge influx of gay couples wanting the legal rights and other benefits that marriage confers, San Francisco County is more financially solvent. "My friend, and the witness to our marriage, told me the county averted budget cuts because of increased income from licenses and ceremonies," said Rebecca. "They had no idea they would experience such a wedding boom."

The major benefit, though, is now clear to both Goatley and Burkhardt. Their newlywed status has deepened their love. As Burkhardt put it, "We both believe in marriage, and this was absolutely right for us."

Contact Scott Cawelti

at newsroom@wcfcourier.com.