What does this mean in videographer terms?

It means they will be present for a total of 8 hours, and filming for 4 of those 8 (2 for the ceremony and 2 for the reception).

I would assume it means exactly what Nicole said.

This is confusing. I would clarify.

If it means that they are present for 8, but only film for 4...why do they need to be present if they aren't filming? Makes no sense.

I wonder if they mean travel time? Any way, I would just ask them.

Nicole is right, but this is quite strange.... maybe our videographer was way more relaxed, but other quotes I got never had this in it. I would make sure they are going to be filming exactly the moments you want. Does this include "portrait" time like when you're with your photographer? Will they be there for getting ready, first looks and other moments like reading letters pre-ceremony and speeches during dinner? Just make sure you get what you're expecting. This sounds just the ceremony and just the dancing. Good luck!

Are you having your reception and ceremony in two different places?

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Assuming that they only work 1 event per day (which is typical), they will contract for the full time they are there even if there is not an event to be filmed (such as if they haven't been contracted to film while photos are being taken, or while people are eating dinner). This ensures they are not contracting themselves for another event.

For example, a DJ who is hired to play both a ceremony and a reception in two locations will still contract for the entire event (in this case, 10:30 to 8:30 or what have you) even if they are only playing music for 4 hours, the ceremony and the reception.

View Quoted Comment But it says 8 hours total. 10:30 AM until 8:30 PM is 10 hours.

View Quoted Comment My guess is either that was a miss on the videographers part or there are some sort of breaks in their contract as well.

Either way you should still ask for clarification to make sure you're getting what you want. But 8 hours total, 4 hours coverage means that they will be present for 8 hours and filming for 4 of those. 🤷‍♀️ It's not atypical.

Will there be two shooters? If so, are they counting their time separately? (4 hours each x 2 shooters = 8 hrs of coverage?) That's not how daughter's videographers did it, she had 2 shooters for 7 hrs and was charged for 7 hours. But, unless the videographer just made a mistake on the contract that doesn't make much sense as written. Definitely need to ask/clarify.